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.

No question about it, 100% be with your dad.

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Specializes in ER.

A lot of students opted not to go. I almost didn't go.

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Specializes in Med-Surg; Infectious Diseases; Research.

Florence Nightingale won't notice you're missing but your Dad will. The pin doesn't make you a nurse, the NCLEX does. Most students and their families find the pinning ceremony to be unnecessary.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

I am so sorry to hear about your father. Look down the corridors of time, 20-30-40+ years from now. Will you regret missing your pinning, or would you regret missing this time with your father? You will never get this time back.

Celebrate your Dad.

Honor Florence Nightengale with a long career of excellent nursing care.

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Specializes in Peds/Neo CCT,Flight, ER, Hem/Onc.

I honestly really don't remember much of my pinning. But I sure as heck remember the day I found out my dad had cancer.

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You can still receive your pin but I say go be with your father on his birthday, that is something you, and he, will cherish. Since you said he lives in another state I think it'd be important to be with him. Pinning ceremonies are generally only an hour or two, its not worth missing his birthday for that short amount of time. Best of luck. Congrats on graduation.

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...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...

Priority 1 - Dad's birthday.

Priority 2 - Pinning.

Intervention: Attend Dad's birthday. Have Dad pin you approx. 1 hour before start of pinning ceremony. Take video of Dad pinning you. Send video of your pinning to tech-savvy classmate. At conclusion of their pinning, they play back video of your pinning on projection screen for assembled classmates.

Rest assured - they'll love it. :yes:

----- Dave

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Specializes in Long term care.

Maybe this goes without saying...but,

Can I just add: Even though you clearly would rather be with your father, don't let him know you are so disappointed at missing your pinning ceremony. I don't know how sick he is, but I can bet he's knows how hard and how long you've worked for this and he'd be upset that his birthday was the reason you aren't going to the ceremony.

If you can get your pin before you leave to see your father you can show it off and he can celebrate with you.

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Specializes in Ortho, CMSRN.
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!

I REALLY love this idea! We nurses are a sappy bunch. I bet they'll let you. I am sorry that you're going through that. My mother (also a nurse) pinned me. The fact that my family was there is what made the ceremony so special. Have your own pinning ceremony with your dad. Make sure that someone takes pics and video though :) Hugs and prayers... and congrats :)

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Thanks for cheering me up and letting me know I'm not a terrible person for not going. The only reason why I couldn't have my dad pin me at school or where I live is because I live in Texas and he lives in Oregon and he's bedridden and can't fly. My mom can't even go either because she takes care of him through the state and my sister is too young to care for him while she's gone. Hence, I can't be at two places at once. I will however, ask my school if it's ok that I fly back to have my dad pin me as my own ceremony. I wouldn't think that would be an issue. Thank you everyone!

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.
I only hit like because me too.

Right...I was liking the intent of your advice, not that your dad had cancer.

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Specializes in Peds/Neo CCT,Flight, ER, Hem/Onc.
Right...I was liking the intent of your advice, not that your dad had cancer.

I think that goes without saying. 😉

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