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Nursing Recognition (Pinning Ceremony)

Pinning ceremonies date back to medieval times when the Monks who cared for the wounded soldiers in 12^th century battles were pinned for their service. The Monks’ pin, a Maltese cross at that time, represented caretaking. Florence Nightingale, the founder of the first nursing school, also was awarded a red Maltese cross for her work in caring for the wounded in the Crimean War. The badge that Florence Nightingale awarded to exemplary nursing students in the 1860’s was also a pin in the shape of the Maltese cross. All four sides of the cross were equal and had the appearance of angel wings.

The pinning ceremony –also known here at Salem State as the recognition ceremony in nursing is the most significant event for nursing school graduates. After years of very hard work and study, students from the BSN program and the RN to BSN program who participate in this celebration say that this ceremony is more meaningful to them than their university graduation. This is the moment when a nursing faculty member- whom the class has selected- will award the nursing school pin to each nursing graduate, one at a time. This ceremony marks the first time that a nursing student finally becomes in name and title “nurse.” As faculty award the school of nursing pin to each nursing graduate individually, the placement of the pin symbolically conveys the transfer of the faculty’s nursing knowledge, skill, attitude, and professionalism. The placement of the pin also represents the time-honored tradition of welcoming the new nurse into the profession of nursing.

The pinning ceremony is also known at the recognition ceremony, because each nursing graduate is individually recognized at that time. Students approach the stage single file, their name is announced, and each walks across the stage alone. The pin that is awarded is actually pinned to the center of a long blue or black ribbon. The faculty member places the ribbon over the head and around the neck of each graduate. The graduate is also awarded a flower that symbolizes vitality and beauty. Often the student and faculty member hug, then prepare to have their picture taken by the class photographer. Proud parents, grandparents, partners, spouses, children, other family members and friends come from near or more often from distant corners of the globe to witness their graduate’s meaningful transition within this traditional ceremony that recognizes each graduate individually. Graduates and guests are invited to take photographs only after the ceremony.

Many students decide to purchase the official nursing school pin. That pin, featured here, displays Salem State University’s logo-the Viking Ship. For nursing students, this logo has come to represent the long and challenging journey through the nursing program. This same symbol now comes to represent the vehicle that transports new nurses to their long anticipated career in the most trusted profession.

December Graduates - January

May Graduates - May

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