The Nightingale Pledge, named after Florence Nightingale, was composed by Lystra Gretter, an instructor of nursing, and a Committee for the Farrand Training School for Nurses located at Harper Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. It was first used by its graduating class in the spring of 1893. It is an adaptation of the Hippocratic Oath taken by physicians.
The Nightingale Pledge is often recited during graduation and pinning ceremonies for nurses. It is also frequently included in programs and events honoring nurses during Nurses Week, which runs from May 6th to May 12th each year, as well as during Nurses Day on May 6th. May 12th marks the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing.
In recent years, numerous nursing schools in the United States have revised the original or 1935 versions. Many of these revisions involve the removal of the phrase "loyalty to physicians," reflecting a shift towards fostering a more independent nursing profession, with its distinct set of ethical standards.
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Original Nightingale Pledge
I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly to pass my life in purity and to practise my profession faithfully. I shall abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and shall not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug. I shall 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. I shall be loyal to my work and devoted towards the welfare of those committed to my care.
1935 revised version
I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly to pass my life in purity and to practise 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.
Modern version, "Practical Nurse Pledge"
Before God and those assembled here, I solemnly pledge; To adhere to the code of ethics of the nursing profession; To co-operate faithfully with the other members of the nursing team and to carry out faithfully and to the best of my ability the instructions of the physician or the nurse who may be assigned to supervise my work; I will not do anything evil or malicious and I will not knowingly give any harmful drug or assist in malpractice. I will not reveal any confidential information that may come to my knowledge in the course of my work. And I pledge myself to do all in my power to raise the standards and prestige of the practical nursing; May my life be devoted to service and to the high ideals of the nursing profession.
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