The pinning ceremony is a nursing tradition with a rich history. After completion of a program of nursing, new graduates are awarded a “nursing pin”. The symbolism of the pin relates to the customs established in the 16th century when the privilege of wearing a coat of arms was limited to noblemen who served their kings with distinction. As centuries passed, the privilege was extended to schools and craft guilds, and the symbols of wisdom, strength, and faith appeared on the buttons, badges, and shields. It was probably this concept that Florence Nightingale was capturing when she chose the Maltese cross as a symbol for the graduates of her first nursing school.
The A-B Tech nursing ceremony models this honored tradition. For the ceremony, A-B Tech nursing program graduates will wear their clinical uniform and clinically appropriate shoes. The A-B Tech nursing pin will be the same for each graduate. The pins and ribbon will be standardized. If a student chooses to wear a family pin, in addition to the A-B Tech pin, the pin must be from a nursing program and cannot say “RN” or “LPN”. The graduate is not considered an RN or LPN until they have a license to practice as a nurse.