Every student nurse participates in clinical rotations as part of their education. But not every student gets to witness a “ring the gong” ceremony to mark the end of a patient's cancer treatment.

Several University of Kansas School of Nursing first-year students got to cheer on this special milestone for one of their patients during their hematology oncology rotation at The University of Kansas Health System.

“During clinical, my students had the special opportunity to witness and participate in a gong-ringing ceremony for a patient they had come to know over the past few months,” said Caroline Downey, BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse II, CA11 Medical Oncology, The University of Kansas Health System, and affiliate clinical instructor, KU School of Nursing.

“A gong-ringing marks the completion of a patient's cancer treatment,” continued Downey. “For this particular ceremony, everyone gathered around the gong, cheering and celebrating with pompoms as the patient reached this important milestone.”

To help her students process and appreciate the experience, Downey encouraged them to reflect on what it meant to them. Here’s what they had to say:

“Whenever a patient rings the bell, it’s an incredibly emotional and beautiful moment — one I’m always grateful to witness. It’s a powerful milestone for our patients, a symbol of everything they’ve fought through. But it’s also empowering for us as health care workers. It reminds us why we do this work, why we show up every day. It gives us a chance to stand beside our patients, to celebrate their strength, and to honor the battle they’ve conquered.” — Shaelin Helus, Hutchinson, Kansas

“It was so amazing to see a patient so joyful and get so much support from their nurses. I am so grateful that I got to be a part of it.” — Regan Ehlert, Omaha, Nebraska

“As a new nursing student, the gong ceremony is a powerful reminder that healing is not just about treating a disease, but about honoring the resilience, hope and shared humanity of those who endure it and witness it. Every time I am a part of the ceremony, it deepens my understanding of patient care, showing me that sometimes the most important role is simply being present and celebrating life’s victories and struggles.” — Darby Gunter, Prairie Village, Kansas

“Today, we celebrated with a patient as he was getting discharged after he completed his cancer treatment. I was assigned to this patient last week, and he has been on this floor for a long time, so it was very exciting to get to see him go home! We lined the hallway with staff members and cheered as he rang the gong to celebrate.” — Gillian Eddington, Hutchinson, Kansas

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my clinical placement is witnessing patients who have been battling cancer celebrate their remission by banging the gong. It’s such a happy moment, the entire nursing staff lines up, waving pom-poms, clapping and cheering as they mark this huge milestone. I love being part of this celebration, sending patients and their families off with happiness and encouragement after everything they’ve endured. It’s also such a powerful reminder of their strength and allows us to make sure they know just how proud we are of their fight against this horrible disease.” — Delaney Guetterman, Bucyrus, Kansas

“Getting to see a patient ring the gong is such a special thing. The way all of the nurses gathered around to cheer the patient on was so heartwarming and a reminder of just how hard these patients work to get fight their illnesses.” — Cassidy Carlson, Olathe, Kansas

Downey summed up the experience, stating, “I love being able to show my students just how rewarding this [nursing] profession can be.”