The whole tradition of the pinning ceremony for nurses started back in the days of Florence Nightengale. Back then a student nurse received a different pin for every "level" of nursing school. The pin would allow doctors and other nurses to look at the students and know what they are capable of doing with what pin they have.
They don't do that anymore. But all nursing schools have a "Pinning Ceremony". The student chooses a person who was influencial and supportive in their endeavors through their nursing education, and that person gets the honor of placing their BSN pin on them.
I chose my Mom! Nurse Marlys.
Now this pinning ceremony is talked up from the 1st day of nursing school. So it's something I've been living for.
But I'm going to be honest with you. It was what it was cracked up to be.
Now it was a very special and meaningful ceremony. But I was a little disappointed...
Why?
Of the 6 Sponsoring Hospitals, all showed up........except mine. Yep. Some of the hospitals greeted their students with hugs and congratulations. Some hospitals even gave their students beautiful bouquets of yellow roses.
I got nothing. Myself, and the 2 other students from my hospital had to be introduced by a different hospital.
(It's akin to.....ordering the finest filet mignon, and being informed by the waiter that "they're all out", so they slap a 3 day old soggy bologna sandwich in front of your face.... )
I know most of you are reading this thinking, "What's the big deal? You still graduated, you sap!"
But onto the pinning! The ceremony was great. (I was once taught that if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all...so let's move on) What matters is that I have my diploma, I got a good eduation, and I'm in the career field of my dreams!
After the ceremony Mom, Dad, Ryan, & I tried a new restaraunt -- which was a brewery (my favorite - I love brewery's) -- and had a very fun, wonderful evening! The food was excellent and the conversation and stories even better!
I am so blessed to have my very supportive and wonderful Mom & Dad, and my amazing husband there for me! By the time we were 10 minutes into dinner, I had completely forgotten the disappointments from the afternoon! :)
Oh, and a side note about the ceremony -- (which I found out later that night). Ryan wanted to run out and get me flowers prior to the ceremony, and spent nearly 20 minutes driving from store to store in the area in a frenzy. Some cashiers at the stores didn't even speak English - which was very frustrating for him I'm sure. Unfortunately, there weren't many stores in the area and he wasn't able to find any. But that story kind of melted my heart. :)
Here are some photos! :)
...waiting for my name to be called
Getting pinned by my Mom!
4 comments:
I totally get your disappointment about your sponsoring hospital. Yes, it's true - you did still graduate and you're finished, but I would have felt the same way as you.
Sounds like you had some awesome, supportive family there to help you get over the disappointment and to celebrate your accomplishment in style! Congratulations to you!
What a proud moment that was! It was quite different from my pinning which took place when we received our nursing cap in my freshman year, and it was in the basement of the hospital in Grand Forks, but it was a memorable ceremony! I think back then the cap was the most exciting part of it, but now I must search for the pin! I was so honored you chose me to put your pin on! God Bless!
Congrats, Abs. I am sorry that it was sort of anti-climatic for you... That is so disappointing. But you are right - the important thing is that you have a degree in a field that you are passionate about. :)
I am so glad your parents were able to be there to share the moment with you and Ryan! Congratulations!!!
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