Representatives from different eras award caps to the class of 2023. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Hangzhou Normal University School of Nursing celebrated the 113th International Nurses Day on May 12 by hosting the 2024 Nursing Students' Cap Awarding Ceremony.

Representatives from different eras, including national exemplary nurse Liu Lihua and 19 other alumni, were invited to award caps to the class of 2023.

The ceremony symbolizes a rite of passage for each nursing student, signifying the spirit of "sacrificing oneself to illuminate others" being passed onto the new cohort. A total of 288 nursing students, including 66 males and seven international students, received their caps.

During the ceremony, Li Xia, a nurse specializing in accelerated rehabilitation nursing, led all the new nursing students in a solemn pledge before the statue of Florence Nightingale.

Hu Lizhen, former director of the Nursing Department at Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, delivered a speech to encourage the students. She shared her experiences and insights from working on the frontlines and urged the youngsters to cherish the opportunities of the new era, continuously learn, and stay true to their original aspirations.

On the same day, 10 students were honored with the 12th Zhang Shuihua Scholarship. The scholarship, established by school alumna Zhang Shuihua, aims to inspire nursing students to study hard, be proactive, and develop in a well-rounded way.

Some international students receive caps from veterans. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]