How many nurses out there still had to learn this pledge?? I did when I was in college and I was just wondering if anyone else had had to memorize it too.
Florence Nightingale Pledge
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. With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.
I personally don't think of the "pledge" as something old fashioned. Congratulations on your recent capping and pinning. I truly believe the ceremony itself can really reach down and grab ya: by way of yeah I made it through all that or I know I can do this and I am so glad my path has sent me here. Either way is great, but for me it was the path of least resistance.
In '74 we were told "if you want a cap....go downtown and buy one-if you want to wear it go ahead but you don't need to.....If you want a stripe or not, that's up to you."
"If you want to come to graduation go to the student bookstore and buy a disposable gown, mortar board and tassel, but you don't have to we're going to mail out the diplomas anywyay-you don't get it when you walk."
If you want a ring....go to the Balfour rep's office and pick one out, they'll mail it COD." "If you want a pin go to the bookstore and pick out anything from brass to 14k.-you don't really need one though."
Ah yes those were the days. This was my 3rd round of Nursing school-dropped out twice before to go to business school first, and then to get married to a soldier and follow him.
We still had student uniforms though-green pinstripe with an intern collar-I actually liked them cause they were wash and wear.
I am glad others had to say this on capping (graduation) I had back in 1968 but we don't make our students do it now. Nice thought maybe we should at least get them to learn it.
learned about flo before nursing school and again in nsg school while i can respect her and her work i disagree with the pledge as written.i think its outdated.i am glad for some nursing is a calling .for me it is somewhat but i work for the money .i volunteer as i choose.i grad in 87 had a pinning ceremony never had to recite this.also had usual grad ceremonies.ie cap and gown .but have never had to nor would i wear a cap -its just not practical.
How many nurses out there still had to learn this pledge?? I did when I was in college and I was just wondering if anyone else had had to memorize it too.
We had this at the pinning ceremony that we had. A lot of people didn't like it because of the way that Flo comes off sounding like our profession is below the physicians' in what we do.
We had this at the pinning ceremony that we had. A lot of people didn't like it because of the way that Flo comes off sounding like our profession is below the physicians' in what we do.
Again, just a reminder (to all) -- Flo didn't write the pledge! It was named for her (in her honor), but she was not the author.
(I'm a big fan of Flo's, and I always hate to see her having to take the rap for the pledge.:))
"In the full knowledge of the task I am undertaking, I promise to take care of the sick with all the skill and understanding I possess, without regard to race, creed, color, politics, or social status, sparing no effort to conserve life, to alleviate suffering, and promote health.
I will respect at all times the dignity and religious beliefs of the patients entrusted in my care, holding in confidence all personal information enrusted to me and refraining from any action which might endanger life or health.
I will endeavor to keep my professional knowlege and skill at the highest level and give loyal support and cooperation to all members of the health team."
I just graduated from nursing school last May, and we recited this updated version at our pinning ceremony. Also, at our pinning ceremony (at a pretty liberal local community college), we were given the choice of whether to wear nursing caps or not, and over half of the students (myself included) actually went out and bought caps just for that occasion. Of course, we didn't wear caps at clinicals- they would have gotten in the way. But we really didn't feel forced to recite this, or to wear caps (it was an honor).
As far as pinning ceremony goes, it was a very memorable and special day. The week before we were pinned, we each wrote on note cards everyone we wanted to thank for helping us get through nursing school, and where we would be working after graduation (if we knew yet). As we walked across the stage and were pinned, the note card we had written was read aloud at the same time. It was not like any other graduation ceremony. It was much more emotional and much more personalized.
My pinning was just last Friday & although the pledge was mentioned a time or two during our training, we weren't told until just before the ceremony that we would be reading it at the end. I was standing close to the teacher that was leading the reading & heard her change a word or two to make it more suitable to our time. Specifically I remember "With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work." She didn't say "his."
How many nurses out there still had to learn this pledge?? I did when I was in college and I was just wondering if anyone else had had to memorize it too.
Florence Nightingale Pledge
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. With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.
Specializes in ED, Cardiac-step down, tele, med surg.
I've heard great things about F.N. but this pledge seems a little subservient to doctors and also to God (the old guy with the white beard up in the sky) and I don't like that!
sharona97, BSN, RN
1,300 Posts
I personally don't think of the "pledge" as something old fashioned. Congratulations on your recent capping and pinning. I truly believe the ceremony itself can really reach down and grab ya: by way of yeah I made it through all that or I know I can do this and I am so glad my path has sent me here. Either way is great, but for me it was the path of least resistance.
Good luck in your careers!
Sharona