NW Valley Times

Miki Moffitt, along with her daughters Sheala Moffitt and Natasha Agate from Farmington, New Mexico, recently participated in a white coat ceremony at Grand Canyon University (GCU). The event marked their progression in the family nurse practitioner program. During the ceremony, students were cloaked in white coats and received a special pin on their lapel before reciting an oath of empathy and integrity.

Sheala Moffitt recalled the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic: “I left for spring break because of COVID, and then I never came back,” she said about GCU's shelter-at-home directive. Despite this disruption, Sheala returned to GCU to pursue her master's degree and encouraged her sister Natasha Agate and mother Miki Moffitt to join her.

The white coat ceremony symbolizes the transition from online classroom work to clinical practice, where students work with real patients under the guidance of a nurse practitioner. Nursing faculty member Cyndi Ventry assisted Sheala during the ceremony. Sheala explained her motivation: “I had a really good experience with the nursing program...and I wanted to extend my knowledge.”

Margie Amity, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse clinical simulation coordinator, noted that while couples have attended together before, this is the first time an entire family has participated.

Natasha Agate shared how starting their careers during the pandemic provided unique opportunities: “We both started working right when the pandemic hit...it really gave us a lot of resilience as providers.” This experience inspired them to pursue higher education.

The trio's decision aligns with current needs; according to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, there will be a 6% growth in demand for nursing professionals through 2032. Their family tradition also played a role; Sheala mentioned their grandmother was also a nurse.

Miki had long considered becoming a nurse practitioner but faced various life circumstances. Encouraged by Sheala’s persistence, she finally applied alongside her daughters. The support they provide each other has been crucial throughout their challenging 2½-year-long master's program.

Natasha emphasized this support: “I wouldn’t have probably made it this far without them...They’ve really supported me.” During Dr. Lisa Smith’s video address at the ceremony, she highlighted how nurses transition into medical care providers while maintaining holistic patient care perspectives rooted in Christian values.

Each student chose meaningful words for their journey—Sheala selected "fabulous," Miki chose "smile," and Natasha picked "growth." As they begin their clinicals back home in Farmington, Natasha reflected on their shared mission: “We all have philanthropic hearts...to really make an impact on people.”

Lana Sweeten-Shults can be reached at [email protected] or 602-639-7901.

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