Pinned ya

When the talk of our nursing pinning ceremony began, the only thing that would come to my mind was the quote from the Lion King, " Pinned ya. Pinned ya again!" =)

Most wonder what a pinning ceremony is. No, it's not graduation. I will still walk in May like any other college graduate. But this is a special, intimate ceremony specifically for nurses to celebrate the accomplishment as well as it is a tradition that has been passed on for many, many years. It is a way for the faculty we had throughout the program to "pin" us as an RN showing we made the transition from student to colleague. 

At first I was not going to go. My school had declared we could only bring one guest, our pinner. My parents cannot make my graduation in May ( actually, I don't know if I can either!) so they decided to come out for the pinning even if they could not come in. After much thought, I realized I needed to be at this ceremony. I have worked way too hard and wanted this way too much to not take part in it. We were planning on just eating dinner with my parents after to celebrate but they ended up letting them come in for the ceremony which was such a blessing. My parents have been down this road with me through the good and the bad so I wanted them there more than anything.

As I was pinned a message I had written for Trav was read. He leaned down to hug me and gave me an awkward kiss. ( I told him before hand not to kiss me in front of everyone because I am awkward. Well, sweet Trav did anyways and I, of course, made it an awkward moment!) One of my favorite professors handed me my Florence Nightengale lantern that I will say I am proud to own. Florence used to carry a lantern through the battle field as she helped the wounded. They said when they saw the light they knew help and comfort was coming. So each student is given one and we light each others to symbolize the healing we will always bring to those who come our way. After that we recited the Florence Nightengale  Pledge. I felt so silly but through the whole thing my eyes were filled with tears and that pledge caused them to spill out. 

 

I solemnly pledge myself before God and 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 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.

It was a beautiful ceremony that recognized everything I have worked so hard for. I am so glad Trav and my parents were able to be a part of it.I know how proud my parents were and I think that is another thing that made it so special. Wherever we went that weekend my dad would tell people," Well, we are here because Emma is done with nursing school and officially an RN" with a huge smile on his face. ( Secretly I think he didn't think I would ever finish a program because I would give up!) But I didn't give up Dad....and I didn't get pregnant during it either! ( another concern ;)


Now it's time to find a job.......