Feature Story: Time-honoured nursing tradition meets 21st century during pandemic

Abstract

In a meaningful and touching online event on June 4, 286 graduates from the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) program were welcomed into the nursing profession at a pinning ceremony - a time-honoured tradition that marks a nursing graduate's transition from student to practicing nurse.

Commonly celebrated around the world, pinning ceremonies date back to the Crusades of the 12th century. Back then, monks were given Maltese crosses as badges for treating wounded crusaders. Later, Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, presented medals of excellence to her nursing graduates. Over the years, these medals have evolved into pins.