One of the many things that makes nursing special is the tradition of “pinning” a new nurse. Did you know this is a tradition that has been around a long time — and that the pins are different for each school?
The Nurse Pinning Ceremony
According to the Museum of Nursing History, the nursing pin is a symbol with a rich history dating back to the Maltese Cross and the Crusades. By 1916, a ceremony awarding the badges was a tradition in England and the United States. The nursing pin and accompanying ceremony represented a meaningful experience for nursing students. It symbolized the completion of educational requirements that enabled nurses to sit for the state licensure examination and then practice nursing. The Museum has an extensive collection of nursing pins in its collection for your next trip to Philadelphia.
2016 Pinning Ceremonies
Amy O. was kind enough to post a series of photos capturing the 2016 pinning ceremony at UVM as students were getting their nursing pin pinned on by a relative or friend. Has anyone captured the pinning at the four other schools this year? Who knows the symbols and marks on their nursing pin?