missing pinning ceremony for dying father's birthday

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Everyone in my class is going. All 40 or so. My instructors told us students, we aren't mandated to go. However, I know this is a special event and by not going, I feel like I'm disrespecting all that Florence Nightingale stood for. The reason I'm not going is because the day of pinning is also my dad's birthday and he's recently put on hospice. This might be the last time I can celebrate his birthday. He lives out of state, which is why I can't be in two places at once. Anyone been in the same situation? How did you deal with it? I'm feeling alot of things right now.

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I haven't experienced this and have no advice. I'm sorry.

I just wanted express my happiness for your graduation and my sorrow for your father.

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I'm sorry for what you are going through.

this might be a stretch but if attending pinning is something that means a lot to you might you be able to speak with your instructors about attending the next pinning instead of yours. I know it might not be the same as going with everyone in your class, however, it might be an option.

Best wishes.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

As someone who lost both parents while I was in my mid20's, go spend the day with your dad. You won't get this time back.

Ask the school if you could have your pin prior and have your dad pin you with all your family there...take your uniform you were going to wear and have pictures with him. This is a memory that will last forever and will be something he will cherish as I am sure he is very proud!

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

I had much more important things also and didn't attend. 24 years later I am still happy with my decision.

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Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.

Ask the school if you could have your pin prior and have your dad pin you with all your family there...take your uniform you were going to wear and have pictures with him. This is a memory that will last forever and will be something he will cherish as I am sure he is very proud!

This would be something special. It sounds like you will make a wise choice. Why would comforting the sick and dying be against what Florence Nightingale stood for? Spend the time with your father, give him the comfort he needs, allow him to be proud of you.

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My pinning ceremony was very short... Less than an hour.

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Specializes in ICU.

Spend it with your dad. I promise, Flo herself will feel no disrespect. You will regret it for the rest of your life if you don't go and spend time with your dad.

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Pinning ceremonies are kind of boring.

There's a lot of clapping and crying, then it's over.

Honestly, I kind of wish I had skipped mine and gone to a theme park with my family instead.

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Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.

Get the pin ahead of time, put on your uniform and ask your dad to pin you with your family around. Make it the same time your classmates get their pins. If still possible, do it in some special and beautiful place you and your dad both love.

P.S. I attended nothing because ceremonies mean nothing for me personally, but we're all different. Make your own ceremony, and the way you will remember better than being one out of 40 similarly clothed bodies.

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Specializes in Palliative, Onc, Med-Surg, Home Hospice.

Trust me, you'll regret missing your fathers birthday more than missing the pinning ceremony. I was unable to attend my fathers funeral (he lived 500miles away) due to illness. And even though we had been estranged for nearly 20 years, I am still very sad that I missed saying goodbye to him. Enjoy what time you have with your father. You'll NEVER regret that. trust me. I am still crying a year later that I was unable to go to my fathers funeral.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

I'm sorry that your father is ill. I don't know what it would have been like to want to go to my pinning and not be able to go.

As it was, I chose not to attend my pinning. I don't regret it.

It would have been nice to celebrate with my classmates, however, we found other ways to celebrate graduating and stay in touch to this day, nearly 2 yrs later.

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