Matthew John's Nursing School Pinning.

     Nursing school may be one of the hardest things I have ever had the honor of going through in my life. Constant studying, stress, lack of sleep, overeating, lack of a social life, and trying to answer NCLEX style questions make nursing school a big struggle. This past week on May 7th I got the honor to watch my boyfriend, Matthew John, as well as other nursing friends and old classmates go through their nursing pinning ceremony. Now to those unfamiliar with the nursing field, the pinning ceremony can seem strange and unusual but it is very significant and is a "right of passage" ceremony to honor those who are graduating from nursing school. 

     In addition to awards, singing, a picture slideshow, and the actual pinning and blessing of the hands Campbellsville's pinning ceremony also includes other nursing pinning traditions such as reciting the Nightingale Pledge and lighting lamps. Nightingale Pledge is as follows:  

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 aid the physician in his work, and as a missioner of health, I will dedicate myself to devoted service for human welfare

Unfortunately, I do not have any photos to post of the pinning ceremony because I took all the photos on Matthew John's parents and sisters' phones, but I do have some of the happiness after the ceremony was over.  The two photos  are of Matthew John and I afterwards at the banquet that had cake and punch. I also got to say a word of congratulations to other nursing students and even catch up with some of my old professors as well. After that, Matthew John's family invited all of us that were able to attend the pinning ceremony out to dinner at Colton's where he certainly made full use of the celebration in ordering a 12 oz steak! (He ate the majority of it too!) 

   I am so excited and proud of Matthew John and all he has accomplished. Nursing school sure is not easy and he's had some obstacles to overcome these last few years while completing this degree but he has done it! He is now a pinned nursing student graduate! I knew he could do it and I am just so happy I could celebrate this special night with him.

   The weekend in Campbellsville was a busy one with my friend Emily getting pinned for education and my other friend Kalyn getting pinned for social work. After that on Saturday, two graduation ceremonies. I'll be making a post about graduation shortly but it was a great weekend of reunions and celebration! I'm very thankful that my schedule worked out where I was able to be in Campbellsville for everybody's big day to celebrate that they have worked hard these past 4-5 years to complete their goal and get their degree! I will always remember this weekend and the amount of happiness and smiles that everyone shared.