A pinning ceremony is a symbolic welcoming of newly graduated or soon-to-be graduated nurses into the profession. IUPUC brought this tradition to campus on March 24 when 12 students in the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program received their pins.

“I am so pleased that we have brought this important tradition to IUPUC for the first time this spring!” said Paige McDaniel, Health Sciences interim division head. “The pinning ceremony is a tradition in nursing education programs across the country acknowledging the journey to becoming a nurse. The pin is a tangible symbol of the students’ many accomplishments in nursing school.”

IUPUC students receive a pin that incorporates the cream and crimson seal of Indiana University, with an open book symbolizing education. In the ribbon-design bordering the pin lies the inscription “School of Nursing.” (During the March ceremony, one student chose to use her grandmother’s pin, also from IU.)

In previous years, the Division of Health Sciences presented nursing pins as a part of the campus commencement ceremony. This year, the Health Services team decided the event deserved a separate occasion that students could share with their families and friends. They plan to continue having dedicated pinning ceremonies each December and May.

“While graduation recognizes the completion of academic studies, the pinning ceremony celebrates the transition from student to nurse,” McDaniel explained. “With this pin, we recognize students’ hard work and dedication throughout the program and formally welcome them into a profession that is so meaningful.”

The second IUPUC Pinning Ceremony will be held on May 5 for 27 soon-to-be graduates in the traditional BSN program.

IU’s School of Nursing has conducted pinning ceremonies since 1948, though the tradition dates back to Crusades. Notably, Queen Victoria awarded Florence Nightingale the Royal Red Cross for her service as a military nurse during the Crimean War.