Nursing Graduates Receive Pins in Drive-Through Ceremony
Pinning Held in Campus Diesel Lab
When global pandemics get in the way of a centuries-old tradition what is a nursing program to do? Hold a drive-through pinning ceremony, of course!
Southeast Tech is recognizing its nursing graduates with drive-through pinning ceremonies on campus this week.
“These events are a way to recognize nursing graduates, even though we can’t hold the large pinning ceremonies we usually have for each class,” explains Kristin Possehl, Dean of Curriculum and Instruction for Health.
At Southeast Tech, larger ceremonies are normally held right around graduation time and each graduating class has its own ceremony. This year, due to COVID-19, modifications were made to award 65 LPN and 39 RN students their pins. Graduates and nursing program staff wore masks, practiced social distancing and held the drive-through ceremony in the diesel lab.
Pinning ceremonies date back to the traditions of the sixteenth century, when noblemen wore a coat of arms associated with loyalty and courage. The distinction was extended to schools to symbolize strength, wisdom, courage and faith.
Florence Nightingale adopted the Maltese cross as a symbol for the badge worn by the graduates of her nursing school. Throughout the years, each nursing school has adopted a pin unique to their school.