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.

Specializes in kids.

So sorry about your dad.....Be with him, have him pin you!

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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.

No you aren't. IMO missing your Dad's potentially last birthday would end up being a far greater regret.

I barely remember my pinning ceremony.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Meh, pinning is over-rated. I didn't do my LPN pinning (I was continuing on for my RN, was never going to work as an LPN and didn't want to spend the money on a pin I wouldn't wear)

Fast forward to RN pinning. Got pinned by an instructor that I hated, not by someone we chose as we were led to believe. After that and a few photos I ripped of my white scrubs for the last time and jumped into my car to drive for 3 hours to watch my son golf at a world famous golf course for a HS meet. Not worth it! That pin is somewhere in my jewelry armoire, it hasn't see the light of day since I took it off my scrub top.[

I say go see your father, you don't "owe" Flo or anyone from your class anything in regards to a silly piece of jewelry!

QUOTE=ichiro12;8720089]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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Specializes in Psych, Peds, Education, Infection Control.

Definitely go be with your dad! I only vaguely recall my pinning ceremony. I did quite enjoy it, but I feel like you'll cherish the memories of your time with him so much more than you would standing around through a bunch of speeches. I really love the idea of having your dad pin you, if it's possible to get your pin ahead of time. Sympathies about your dad, and CONGRATS on graduation!

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I went to my LPN pinning and my RN pinning. I was not pinned by someone of my choice so it didn't mean a whole lot to me. My LPN pinning was done by an instuctor who verbally told anyone who would listen how much she despised me. My RN pinning was done by the director of the program who said as she pinned me, "I can't believe you made it here, after all the problems you had passing, I would have bet anything you would never graduate' (uhh! lady, I was never in danger of failing and I passed with honors..) Needless to say my pinnings were memorable but not for good reasons.

I only went to the pinnings because my loved ones insisted. They wanted to see me rewarded for my hard work. If any of my loved ones couldn't be there, then in my opinion there is no reason to go.

Go be with your Dad. You'll cherish those memories of him and the time you spent much more than you will the 1-2 hrs you stand at your pinning.

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Specializes in Dialysis.
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.

I remember every detail of the day my dad died 8 yrs ago just like it was yesterday. Cannot remember much about pinning...

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

If you are honestly worried about "disrespecting all Florence Nightingale stood for" then you may want to talk to someone. I don't even know what this means? How are you disrespecting Florence Nightingale to go to see your father? You are an adult. Do what you need to do. Make a decision and move on.

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

Going to your Father's birthday has to be more important than the pinning ceremony! You know when you look back you can say you celebrated your fathers BD with him and also celebrated your pinning ceremony too as he couldn't make it to watch you

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.
I went to my LPN pinning and my RN pinning. I was not pinned by someone of my choice so it didn't mean a whole lot to me. My LPN pinning was done by an instuctor who verbally told anyone who would listen how much she despised me. My RN pinning was done by the director of the program who said as she pinned me, "I can't believe you made it here, after all the problems you had passing, I would have bet anything you would never graduate' (uhh! lady, I was never in danger of failing and I passed with honors..) Needless to say my pinnings were memorable but not for good reasons.

I only went to the pinnings because my loved ones insisted. They wanted to see me rewarded for my hard work. If any of my loved ones couldn't be there, then in my opinion there is no reason to go.

Go be with your Dad. You'll cherish those memories of him and the time you spent much more than you will the 1-2 hrs you stand at your pinning.

Unreal that somebody would say that to you! How rude

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Specializes in Hospice.

My RN pin just resurfaced from the depths of my jewelry box a few days ago.

I was frankly surprised I still had it. Pinning was 36 years ago, and that was the last time I wore it.

Like everyone else has told you-go see your dad.

Also, "Disrespecting Florence Nightingale"?? What does that even mean? Trust me, Flo ain't the be all and end all of Nursing. Once you really get out and work as a Nurse, you will never hear anyone mention her name.

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I didn't go to my prom or high school graduation and regret those things. I'd still miss the pinning ceremony without hesitation. I loved the idea to get your pin in advance.

I'm so sorry for this difficult time.

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Specializes in Short Term/Skilled.

Pinning schminning, go hug on your daddy :-) So sorry, by the way. Can. not. imagine!! xo

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