What to Expect at a Nursing Pinning Ceremony
A nursing pinning ceremony is an event that honors a student nurse’s graduation, but did you know this symbol reflects a 1,000-year tradition that dates back to the Crusades? Nursing is a historic profession that is rich with meaningful symbols. Learn more about where this tradition comes from and what you can expect from a pinning ceremony for nurses.
What Is a Nursing School Pinning Ceremony Like?
A pinning ceremony marks the achievement of completing a prelicensure nursing program. It’s typically separate from graduation, and the tradition is specific to the college or school of nursing. During this event, students may wear their caps and gowns or business attire and white coats. Typically, students are called up by name to have a pin placed on their lapel.
Who pins you at a nursing pinning ceremony? School faculty and leadership typically do the pinning for nursing students during this event. Pinning by faculty symbolizes an acknowledgement of achievement by mentors, many of whom may have taught students or supervised their learning during clinical rotations. Other schools might allow a nurse’s family or friends to place pins, so refer to your school’s traditions for more information.
The actual pin used differs by school; some use a ribbon, others use a plastic or metal pin for nursing students. When a pin is used, it might have a key, the lamp of learning, a cross, a caduceus, or something else.
During a pinning ceremony, students might swear the Nightingale pledge. The specific wording of this pledge differs by school, but it signifies a commitment to compassionate and ethical nursing care. Witnessed by family and peers, swearing this pledge affirms a student’s transition into professional nursing.
History of the Nurse Pinning Ceremony
The pinning ceremony is thought to date back to the 12th century in Malta, when the Knights of the Order of the Hospital of St. John the Baptist — primarily a military hospital — cared for the sick and injured. The monks who served here made a vow of service when they entered the order and were given a badge with the symbol of a Maltese cross.
Over time, the eight-pointed cross has come to symbolize humanitarian works and first aid. In the 1860s, Queen Victoria awarded Florence Nightingale a Red Cross of St. George as a recognition of her work during the Crimean War, and Nightingale went on to award it to her nursing students.
In the U.S., Bellevue Hospital in New York City was the first to award pins to graduating nurses, and by the early 20th century, the pinning ceremony became standard practice for nursing schools. Today, it’s a tradition that shows a student has completed the rigorous education and training to become a nurse. Other common nursing traditions include the Lamp of Learning and the white coat ceremony.
Another version of the nursing pin is the hospital badge. Over a century ago, badges were given to graduating students by nursing schools to show that these nurses were educated and ready to serve the community. Today, hospital badges serve several purposes. They permit personnel access to protected areas, they show staff credentials, and they’re used as an essential security measure in most facilities.
Nursing Pinning Ceremony FAQ
Are you an RN after a pinning ceremony?
No, a pinning ceremony is a symbol of achievement, not a credentialing event. In order to become licensed as an RN after graduation, new graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) and complete the licensure requirements in their state.
Nursing pinning ceremony vs. graduation: What’s the difference?
A pinning ceremony is a smaller event that is specific to the nursing school, while a graduation might include an entire college or university. A pinning ceremony can be scheduled before or after graduation.
How long does a pinning ceremony last for nursing students?
It depends on the size of the school and the itinerary of the event. In general, expect to spend at least an hour at a pinning ceremony.
Do all nurses get pinned?
No, some schools don’t use a pinning ceremony, and pinning is not a requirement to become a nurse.
Do you give a gift at a nurse pinning ceremony?
It’s not uncommon to give a gift to a graduating nurse or college student. Learn more about gifts for nurses.
Who organizes a pinning ceremony?
It depends on the school. In some institutions, faculty and school staff plan the pinning ceremony. In others, student nurse organizations or class cohorts are responsible for funding, planning, and running the ceremony. Some schools will run fundraising drives to help raise money for pinning ceremonies.
Do students need to write a speech for a nurse pinning ceremony?
Not typically. However, certain students, such as a class valedictorian, may be expected to give a speech. Refer to your school’s traditions for more details.
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