Congratulations Doctor Nurses!

The degree journey has ended, but the DNP adventures are just beginning. As the responsibility for improving the future of healthcare was laid upon us, so was the realization that we all have the strength and knowledge to meet the challenges ahead. Here are some highlights from the convocation and graduation of the UTHSC DNP class of 2012!

Pre-Graduation festivities at a lovely Vietnam Restaurant with the largest, most diverse psych/mental health DNP class that was . . .  or ever will be.  

The faculty address by Melody N. Waller reminded us of the many dimensions of love and loss that come with the nursing profession. Hearing all of the great capstone projects my peers have been working on, especially with diabetes, vulnerable populations, and health promotion behaviors, was inspiring.

Hooded by Cheryl C Stegbauer, who gave me the best complement of my life during Philosophy of Science when she told me I was a thinker.

This Dr. Nurse was voted Class Troublemaker - expect great strides in mental health advocacy from this one! 

With two future Dr. Nurses who are destined for great advancements in integrative care!

After being handed my fake diploma  (actually a lovely picture of the campus),  Chancellor Steve J. Schwab shook my hand and said "Congratulations doctor. Well done."  He did this for the thousand-odd graduates after delivering an address exemplifying how our current knowledge will comprise just a fraction of our future knowledge in a career of life-long learning and innovation.

And so it is official!