LU nursing graduates commissioned to be vessels for the Kingdom during pinning ceremony

Wearing their school-branded white scrubs officially for the last time, 58 fall semester graduates of the Liberty University School of Nursing participated in a pinning ceremony on Dec. 11 in the Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall, marking their completion of nursing school and entrance into the workforce.

A pinning ceremony is a tradition within nursing schools that dates back more than a century recognizing soon-to-be nurses for the hard work they have completed while training. During the ceremony, graduates are given a pin unique to their school that will identify them as a graduate of their respective program in their future workplace.

Liberty’s ceremony honored one Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Informatics (MSN) graduate and 57 graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pre-licensure program.

In addressing the graduates, LUSON Dean Dr. Tracey Turner said the faculty and staff have treasured their roles in the educational and professional journeys of each student. Turner said the group has been described by faculty and staff as “sweet, thoughtful, and low- maintenance while being high-performing.” Turner also briefly shared anecdotes about many of the graduates by name.

Turner noted how even though they now have their eyes set toward their careers in the nursing field, each graduate will remain members of LUSON’s community.

“As you head out into the workforce, I want you to know that you are supported,” she said. “You will always be a part of the School of Nursing; we welcome you to share praise, give feedback, or even come back and get a hug of encouragement. You are going to be used as a vessel for the Kingdom, and we know that God is going to use you to show your patients and coworkers how to love, while they will be used to show you how to love. You are going to go out and make such a positive impact.”

“Thank you for trusting us with your nursing education, and thank you for letting us grow together,” she added.

After each student walked the stage and received their pin and certificate from LUSON faculty, they returned to their seats and recited the Nightingale Pledge, an oath often made during pinning ceremonies. In this pledge, graduates vow to practice nursing faithfully, honestly, and with a commitment to the welfare of others, wherever they may be.

The ceremony was livestreamed on LUSON’s Facebook page for family and loved ones who could not attend in person.