THE NIGHTINGALE PLEDGE

The Nightingale Pledge The Nightingale Pledge*, originally created in 1893 by a committee chaired by Lystra Gretter, is traditionally cited by nursing graduates during Honors or Pinning ceremonies. Variations of this pledge exist and the one included below (on the right) is the one generally recited by nursing graduates at SAC. The Nurse's Pledge accompanies the Candle lighting segment of the ceremony.

. . Florence Nightingale, an English nurse and pioneer reformer, was born in Florence, Italy on 5/12/ 1820 and died 8/13/1910. Many modern nursing techniques can be traced back to her. History was made during the Crimean War when Florence took 38 women to Turkey to nurse sick and wounded British soldiers. The British government had never before permitted women to do this. Because of her selfless duty during the Crimean War, Florence Nightingale became known as the "lady with the lamp." As a tribute to Florence's dedication, the lamp icon became symbolic of nursing. The lamp will always shine brightly as a symbol of the care and devotion the nurse administers to the sick and injured in the practice of Nursing. Thus, nursing students honor the dedication of Nurse Nightingale and symbolically plan to carry the ideals for which she stood in the Candle lighting portion of the pinning ceremony. The tradition of Candle lighting and Pledge recognizes her ideals. .

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. . "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

*This was first used by the Harper Hospital's (Detroit, Michigan) graduating class in the spring of 1893. This pledge is an adaptation of the Hippocratic Oath taken by physicians. There is no evidence that Florence Nightingale had input or knowledge of its content; however, it bears her name.

Original Nightingale Pledge

"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."