While unfamiliar to those without a nursing degree, the nursing pinning ceremony is one of the most important and symbolic moments of a new graduate’s career.
A tradition dating back to the 12th century, the pinning ceremony recognizes graduates’ giving hearts, commitment to ethical standards of care, and their readiness to serve society as healthcare professionals. Pinning also marks the students’ completion of school work and clinicals prior to taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
The Hiram Nursing Pin
Each school designs their pin with their school mission and vision in mind. Most pins include an oil lamp as a tribute to Florence Nightingale, a military nurse and leader in modern nursing.
The circular shape of the Hiram pin signifies the global outlook of Hiram’s mission. It represents our global interconnectedness. The pin is case in gold, a precious metal of enduring value. The gold is augmented by Hiram’s red and blue colors.
In the outer circle is a laurel leaf wreath, a symbol of the baccalaureate degree, and of scholarship and praise. Centered on the pin is the Florence Nightingale lamp, a universal symbol of nursing. Recessed sun rays in the background represent the State of Ohio.
There are three dots dividing the lettering that symbolize the three qualities of the Hiram nurse: clinically competent, ethically grounded, and socially responsible.
Thank you to Davina Gosnell, founder of the Hiram nursing program, for her gift that contributes to the purchase of pins each year.
Nursing graduates receive their pin on a ribbon, sewn in red and blue by Bettelou Keaton to hold the pin in place.
The Pinning Ceremony
Along with the graduates, faculty, supporters, and Hiram administration, the Northeast Ohio Nurse Honor Guard attended the pinning. Originally a volunteer opportunity to provide a meaningful way to honor nurses who have passed away, the Honor Guard also provides recognition and dignity to fellow nurses through pinning ceremonies.
The following graduates were recognized:
Josef Aschenbrenner
Lucy Clapper
Annabelle Moore
Hannah Murton
Angel Santellan
Julianna Tucker
