Taking their place in a tradition that dates back more than a century, Warner Pacific University’s eighth cohort of nursing students were recognized during the Division of Nursing’s Pinning Ceremony on May 10.
“The Pinning Ceremony is unique to nursing,” said Linda Campbell, Dean and Professor of Nursing.
It is modeled after the ceremony in which Florence Nightingale received the Red Cross of St. George for her service during the Crimean War, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. It marks a student’s completion of education and transition into the profession.
Part of WPU’s own tradition is to let students select the loved one who will pin them, rather than have faculty or a staff member do it.
The ceremony for the 24 Bachelor of Science in Nursing students was held in McGuire Auditorium. It opened with a welcome and prayer. Tommy Nguyen received an award for Excellence in Nursing Practice. Jillian Nicole Villareal received an award for Outstanding Leadership in Nursing.
Graduates recited the Florence Nightingale Pledge and 多样性 Pledge. The latter focuses on ways in which, in their new profession, they can be anti-racist and foster a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion.
The Pinning Ceremony is a separate event from 毕业典礼 which was the following day at Sunset Church in Portland.
“Nursing is by far the most rewarding thing I can think of in a career,” Campbell said.
“(The students are) so full of the love of the Lord it takes your breath away.”
The Florence Nightingale Pledge
(Adapted and updated, 2020)
I solemnly pledge myself before God, and in the presence of this assembly, to pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully. I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug. I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling. 与忠诚, I will endeavor to collaborate with the interprofessional healthcare team and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care on behalf of the healing trinity of caring, 安全, 和领导能力.
多样性 Pledge
As a nurse, I pledge to:
- Actively listen to learn
- Champion strategies that advance equity
- See, hear, and accept people from every race and culture
- Promote the practice of self-assessment for unconscious biases
- Examine my practice and consider methods I can employ to stop contributing to systemic racism
- 是反种族主义, and stand with and stand up for, those with racially and culturally diverse backgrounds
- Foster a culture of diversity, equity and inclusivity
- Increase diversity within my sphere of influence
- Advocate for anti-racist training in formal education
- Hold myself and others accountable to committing to reforms and action
- Pursue social justice by listening and engaging in dialogue with others, even when it is uncomfortable
- Support legislative efforts aimed at eliminating racism and discrimination, and supporting basic human rights
- Educate myself about systemic injustice, and then use my trusted voice to influence and educate others
Adapted from Northwest Organization of Nurse Leaders presenter, Desi McCue DNP, MBA, RN, FACHE, CENP