Newest Nurses Follow Nightingale's Example

Aiken, SC (12/30/2019) — The University of South Carolina Aiken School of Nursing celebrated its December graduates during the annual pre-commencement pinning ceremony.

Just hours before graduation, the nursing students gathered to light the lamp honoring Florence Nightingale, considered by many to be the founder of modern nursing. During the Crimean War in 1884, Nightingale would wander through hospital wards, caring for patients.

"She is a 'ministering angel,' without any exaggeration, in these hospitals; and as her slender form guides quietly along each corridor, every poor fellow's face softens with gratitude at the sight of her," wrote a London Times correspondent at the time.

From this, Nightingale became known as "the lady with the lamp."

"It is in that tradition that these nurses light their lamps of caring and hope," said Dr. Thayer McGahee, dean of the USC Aiken School of Nursing.

Another tradition the university's nursing faculty observe is the presentation of nursing pins.

"The University of South Carolina Aiken Bachelor of Science Degree in nursing pin displays symbols specific to the University of South Carolina Aiken, thus providing an emphasis upon the four-year degree attained by the graduate," McGahee said.

The pin includes the colors of red and gold. These colors represent courage and worthiness. Central to the BSN pin is the Double Knot, a symbol of the integral and ongoing relationship between the University and the community. The seal of the State of South Carolina is also clearly portrayed to give emphasis to the value placed upon higher education by the state. The rays of light at the top of the pin represent the light of knowledge.

Nursing students who graduated in December include: