7th Nightingale Pledge & Capping Ceremony at BANC
Kaliakor, Gazipur, Bangladesh – On October 15, 2023, Bangladesh Adventist Nursing College (BANC) proudly hosted its 7th Nightingale Pledge & Capping Ceremony, a momentous occasion marking the transition of 81 nursing students into the next phase of their professional journey.
This year's ceremony honored 44 students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and 37 students enrolled in the Diploma in Nursing Science and Midwifery (DNSM) program.
The evening commenced with a grand procession of students marching into the auditorium, their faces beaming with anticipation. BANC Principal Sandra Rumi Madhu warmly welcomed the attendees, including esteemed guests, guardians, and fellow participants, setting the stage for an inspiring evening.
Nursing pledge and capping ceremony
As the ceremony unfolded, the air filled with solemnity as students ignited candles, symbolizing their unwavering commitment to upholding the Hippocratic oath. With unwavering determination, they pledged to abide by the core principles of the nursing profession: to do no harm, exercise discretion, and dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the service of others.
The pinnacle of the ceremony arrived when college officials placed the nursing caps upon the heads of the students, officially authorizing them to engage in clinical practice. This significant milestone marked the culmination of their rigorous academic journey and signaled their readiness to embark on the hands-on aspects of their chosen profession.
Wisdom of distinguished guests
The ceremony was graced by the presence of distinguished guests who offered insightful perspectives on the noble calling of nursing. Amol Baroi, Treasurer of the Bangladesh Adventist Union Mission (BAUM), delivered a captivating Scripture Reading and Invocation.
Dr. Md. Khairuzzaman, Civil Surgeon of Gazipur, Bangladesh, served as the Chief Guest, sharing his valuable experiences and wisdom. Dr. Md. Lutfor Rahman Azad, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer for Kaliakoir Upazila Health Complex, also graced the occasion with his presence as a Special Guest. Additionally, the ceremony welcomed guest speakers Timothy Roy, Executive Secretary of BAUM, Dr. R.P. Bala, Education Director of the BAUM, and Alok Das, Nursing Officer at the Directorate General of Nursing and Midwifery.
Each guest speaker eloquently articulated the profound impact of nursing, emphasizing that it transcends mere employment and embodies a profound commitment to serving and safeguarding human life. Their words resonated with the students, who eagerly anticipated their forthcoming clinical practice in various hospitals, eager to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings.
Commitment of service according to the legacy of Florence Nightingale
The Nightingale Pledge, a modified version of the Hippocratic oath specifically tailored for nurses, served as the bedrock of the ceremony. Crafted by nursing pioneer Lystra Gretter and the Committee for the Farrand Training School for Nurses in Detroit in 1893, the pledge bears the name of Florence Nightingale, revered as the founder of modern nursing. In this solemn declaration, nurses pledge to uphold the Hippocratic oath, do no harm, practice discretion, and wholeheartedly embrace their calling as nurses.
The nursing students recited the updated 1935 version of the Nightingale Pledge, their voices echoing in unity:
"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 I will endeavor to aid the physician in his work, and as a 'missioner of health' I will dedicate myself to devoted service to human welfare."
A The cap, a symbol of unwavering dedication
The capping ceremony stands as a singular and cherished tradition within the nursing community, often held in higher regard than even the school commencement. This distinction stems from the ceremony's profound significance, transcending mere tradition to embody the culmination of nursing students' unwavering dedication and perseverance throughout their academic journey. The capping ceremony marks the transition from rigorous coursework and clinical preparation to the practical application of their knowledge and skills in the healthcare setting.
A new chapter in the lives of 81 nursing students
As the 7th Nightingale Pledge & Capping Ceremony drew to a close, the atmosphere radiated with a palpable sense of pride and accomplishment. The 81 newly capped nursing students embarked on a new chapter in their professional lives, armed with the knowledge, skills, and unwavering commitment to make a profound impact on the lives of others. Their journey epitomizes the noble spirit of nursing, a calling that exemplifies compassion, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of healing and well-being.
The capping ceremony is offered to nursing students who have decided to complete their diploma in practical nursing to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), or their associate degree in nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to become a registered nurse (RN).
