Graduation

My class holding our lamps

(I spilled the oil in mine all over the floor and my pants)

My nursing instructor, Dr. Julie Chew

(who is AMAZING, by the way)

My supportive family

Walking in the processional

Being pinned by Jennifer

(the pins were on ribbons, so they didn't have to actually "pin" us)

my favorite nursing girls
Heather, Lindsey, and Julie

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These are pictures from my pinning ceremony. Traditionally, nursing graduates have graduation, which is similar to graduation for any other program, and then a pinning ceremony. At the ceremony, graduates are presented with pins that represent their nursing school. The person pinning is often a nurse that has been a positive influence in your life. I chose my aunt Jennifer, who is a nurse, but who has always been an important part of my life and teaches me how to be a better person. Each graduate is then given a lamp. During the ceremony, the instructors light each person's lamp. This symbolizes passing the light of nursing. We also take the Nightingale Pledge which says that we will take care of people and do the best we can to comfort and care for those in need. We wore traditional nursing white and nursing hats. It was a great experience. I am glad to be done with school, but will always look back on these two years as a valuable and definitive time in my life filled with life lessons and inspiring classmates and teachers.

*****

"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."

--The Nightingale Pledge