Nursing School Graduate
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June 29, 2018In a first for our community, Sister Francesca was asked to study for a nursing degree to care for the sick and elderly of our community. Last September she began a full-time degree course in Practical Nursing at Mass Bay Community College, Framingham, Mass.
After ten months of intensive study and practical experience, Sister Francesca and nineteen other graduates reached the long-awaited moment of receiving their pins. The "pinning ceremony" is part of a tradition which goes back to the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale.
The graduation ceremony included a procession with lamps, the lighting of the Nightingale Lamp, the Presentation of Pins and the Nightingale Pledge. The latter is an oath taken by all nurses to practice fidelity and integrity in their profession. Here is a selection from the pledge:
"I solemnly pledge myself in the presence of this assembly to faithfully practice my profession of nursing.... I will zealously seek to nurse those who are ill wherever they may be and wheneve they are in need. I will be active in assisting others in safeguarding and promoting the health and happiness of mankind."
A small group of us were able to attend, as well as her parents and a number of Sisters of St Joseph, who hosted her at their convent during her studies. We are so proud of our sister, but even more we are glad to have her back home again at the monastery!
