Pinning Ceremony Issues

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As the president of my Student Nurses Association and my class secretary, I am DEEPLY involved in Pinning Ceremony Issues. The current graduating class is having HUGE issues getting organised so the SNA has decided to set fourth some guidelines and rules for pinning. Some ideas from the nursing student community at large would be helpful, such as dues, what the college contributes, styles, student run or faculty run, etc.

FEEDBACK IS NEEDED.

Thanks a bunch!

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Specializes in CV Surgery Step-down.

This year, the faculty has taken it upon themselves to plan our pinning ceremony. Apparently, diffiulties with past classes helped them make this decision. We won't know 'till January (we graduate in May) what they're planning. At this point, just tell me where to be, what to wear and when it is. Some of the class is disappointed, but I think the general feeling is that we're glad they'll be no conflict between the students...

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This year, the faculty has taken it upon themselves to plan our pinning ceremony. Apparently, diffiulties with past classes helped them make this decision. We won't know 'till January (we graduate in May) what they're planning. At this point, just tell me where to be, what to wear and when it is. Some of the class is disappointed, but I think the general feeling is that we're glad they'll be no conflict between the students...

Kelly, do you have to pay for your pinning? Or does the school pay for it.

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Specializes in CV Surgery Step-down.

We actually started to collect dues last February to help raise money for pinning. We also were going to do fundraisers this year, but were told over the summer that it would not be necessary. We're collecting dues up to this point and using the money for refreshements at the ceremony (half of the money collected was already spent on two luncheons we hosted - - one for the last graduating class, and one for the incoming class.

We will pay for our own pins, but I think the faculty are seeking sponsorship from the hospitals for other costs (flowers, candles/lamps), invitations, etc. I'll be (and my whole class) anxious to see what happens...

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Our class raised money for a reception and simple decorations. We agreed to wear our uniforms for consistency. We each paid for our own pin. The school had a free room, but it was ugly, so we were able to do our ceremony in a church, with the class sitting in the choir (also free). A blues band (this was in Memphis) played a few tunes. Afterwards, we had money left over in the account and, as class treasurer, I split it up between all the graduates. The problem with SNA dues is not everyone will join. Hope this helps.

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Specializes in mostly in the basement.

We didn't even have a pinning ceremony....

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A church facility. . .what a great idea. We have a donated facility from a hospital but it is not huge and there is no room for the grads to sit on the stage. We are made to sit in the first two rows. Each class (so far) is responsible for raising money for the ceremony, pins, flowers, lamps, etc and we do that using the dues route. The Student Nurses Association is a separate entity that earns money for other projects.

I will look into this more. Keep the ideas coming. . .

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Specializes in Family.

My school used to use a very beautiful church, but they stopped the semester before I finished the PN program. Something to do with religion being involved. The room we used was a mini auditorium, with each student linited to 5 guests each. Well, some students didn't adhere to that (one actually had 30+ family and friends there) so the family members who actually had an official invite had nowhere to sit.:angryfire

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Specializes in Med/Surg..

My class is also scheduled to Graduate in May - God willing we'll all make it that far. I like the idea "Kellyo" posted - let the faculty handle it to avoid conflicts in the class. I feel the same way - after all we've been through - just tell me where to show up for graduation/pinning and I'll be there - I don't care how formal or informal it is. At this point, it will be such a thrill and relief to finish Nursing School - if they told us the ceremony will be held at a cookout in someones back yard, I'd be fine with it.

I know Pinning is supposed to be a "big deal" - and some of my classmates discuss the plans for it like they're planning a Wedding. But to me at least, it's very hard to get involved in the planning of some huge party - right down to the food, flowers, decorations, invitations, etc. when we still have 6 months to go - with none of us being certain that we'll actually be graduating. I know these things have to planned out in advance, but most of us are so concerned about passing exams and getting through clinicals - that the color of the flowers at our Pinning Ceremony - is very unimportant right now. Just my opinion about the whole thing.... Sue

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Specializes in OB, ortho/neuro, home care, office.

I posted our 'pinning' ceremony somewhere on here. https://allnurses.com/forums/f50/pinning-ceremony-need-help-121010.html?highlight=pinning+ceremony

Ah as you can see I located it. I really enjoyed our ceremony, even though I'm not catholic and the power went out a couple of times during the ceremony (A few of us joked it was because we didn't belong in a church :) ) just check it out. I still have my program somewhere.

Don't forget to make up a 'program' either. It is a kinda guide to the ceremony

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