being told we can't have a pinning ceremony

[kristy2657]

just wanted some thoughts on this, my class has been told that we are not going to have a pinning ceremony and will not be allowed to have one based on the idea that it is degrading to women given its history. I have spent some time trying to find out more on the history and also in what way it would be degrading.

The other students in my class are also upset by this, it seems like such a meaningful way to bring our schooling to an end and embrace our new lifes as nurses.

If any current nurses or other students could present some thoughts on its purpose, if you feel its degrading and possibly why if you feel like sharing, or if anyone can point me in a direction to finding out more on the history and where the idea of degrading may come in. I know that my classmates and I would greatly appreciate any information we can represent to the director and see what we can do to make our senior banquet special and meaningful.

Thanks!

[JBudd, MSN]

Dolce, the oath is an adaptation of the Hippocratic oath.

This is an alternative version I googled:

"I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly to faithfully practice my profession of nursing. I will do all in my power to make and maintain the highest standards and practices of my profession.

I will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping in the practice of my calling. I will assist the physician in his work and will devote myself to the welfare of my patients, my family, and my community.

I will endeavor to fulfill my rights and privileges as a good citizen and take my share of responsibility in promoting the health and welfare of the community.

I will constantly endeavor to increase my knowledge and skills in nursing and to use them wisely. I will zealously seek to nurse those who are ill wherever they may be and whenever they are in need.

I will be active in assisting others in safeguarding and promoting the health and happiness of mankind."

.

author unknown

No "purity" involved, since that seems to be offensive to some. But I do miss the "do no harm".

[DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN]

Yes I know it is. The version I refer to is the original composed by Gretter et al in the 1890's. It just happens to be an adaptation that I find nauseating.

i.e. pledge...before God...with loyalty..aid the physician...practice of my calling

The version you Googled is better but still exclusive -- including references to pledging to God and being a good "citizen". Hardly appropriate in the diverse society we have now. Unless of course you are a citizen and a Christian. I prefer something inclusive or nothing at all. So I am actually for simple graduation ceremonies.

Now, I suspect you are American and haven't studied the classics in high school -- you will find that the original Hippocratic Oath does not strictly say "do no harm". It is a bit more like "keep from harm". Then again it says an awful lot of interesting things. Read it sometime and have a bit of a laugh.

[TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP]

thank you all for the input...with our program we end in august and so we don't even get to attend a school sponsored commencement unless we choose to come back the following may and walk with whoever is walking at that time. We are also responsible for setting up our own senior banquet which is our only cause for celebration (unless you count the after party) so I will talk to my class and maybe go with the "do-it-yourself" mode. I have read the Nightingale pledge which is outdated, and I have heard of schools that wrote their own pledges which may appropriate given that we will most likely hold this on our own.

Your school doesn't have a Fall Commencement in November or December?

[dozndawg]

Degrading no! Not important yes!!! After more than one graduation the last thing I want to do is waste more time in the schooling process. It's time to work not dress up and participate in pomp an circumstance. For the benefit of others in my class or the parents of younger kids graduating for the first time... I'm more worried about having to partcipste on a ceremony, when I could better use the time studying for the NCLEX. People it's the knowledge that you've attained not the fashion of a pinnning ceremony! I would certainly hope that as proffessionals you will not care how you look but just CARE HOW YOU ACT!!! If you continue to further you education are you expecting to have people recognize your achievments in a ceremony or a higher paycheck, increased respect, and a better impact on your patients?

OK ENOUGH OF THE RANT...

For you first time graduates and your parents I hope you get something to signify your accomplishments... For everyone else I hope being a competant, successful nurse will suffice!!! I respect those who are the brains with no more need than to be respected for their knowledge and experience as their proffession dictatates...

And now I step down...