|
|
 |
Would you have gotten where you are without your nursing education? Why not display your nursing pin?
|  |
Distinction, Pride, and Honor: American Nursing Pins in History and in Context
Meribeth Meixner Reed, RN, PhD
Since the earliest days of professional nursing in America, graduate nurses have proudly displayed on the uniform the pin that represents their individual School of Nursing. The nurse's graduation pin is a treasured symbol that conveys to others her association and everlasting bond with her school. Each pin is distinctive, representing only one program, and upholding the proud educational traditions of that school. For the nurse, it also symbolizes honorable completion of a rigorous and physically demanding nursing preparation program.
Particularly among numerous nursing schools that share a geographic location or tradition, the unique design of each school's pin instantly identifies to others where the nurse graduated, in the same way women's nursing caps once did. While women students were customarily awarded the school's cap or a student cap after reaching some designated point in the education program (such as completing a probation period or at the beginning of the second year), the pin was reserved as an honor awarded to celebrate graduation.
From a handful of American Training Schools for Nurses in the 1870s, there was explosive development of nursing programs, with hundreds of schools operating in the 1890s. In the second century of nursing education, since the 1970s, there have been 1300-1500 active nursing preparation programs at any time. As nursing education has evolved to include different levels of entry to practice, many nursing schools have opened or closed or merged with other institutions such as colleges and hospitals, but the total number of schools over time is in the thousands. Imagine the unlimited variety of beautiful pins!
Members of the earliest classes in a new nursing school were responsible for designing a pleasing and meaningful pin to represent their school, aware they were creating a new tradition. Although most nursing pins were created by specialty manufacturers, some of the earliest, exclusive pins were crafted by local fine jewelers. Those pins were sometimes presented as graduation gifts from benefactors committed to supporting the school and its graduates. It is customary for the nurse's pin to be personalized with her monogram, initials, or full name and graduation year, so great sentiment is attached to the pin, and it is cherished as a piece of fine jewelry.
Nursing pins comprise a marvelous array of colors, shapes, and symbols. There are various design elements, appealing to different admirers. Some pins include the design within a frame or border, and others do not, but most pins average approximately one inch in diameter. These works of art in miniature may be shiny and smooth to the touch or richly engraved with relief work. Highly detailed pins may be pierced or layered. The engraving of the logo and lettering may be done by machine or by hand, and occasionally exquisite scrollwork is also found in older pins.
Nurses' graduation pins are fashioned from various metals, sometimes significant to the area or the tradition of the sponsoring institution. Although gold and gold-filled designs are found most often, nursing pins are also created from copper -- specifically in copper-rich regions of the Nation -- or sterling silver or vermeil or pewter. Some of those precious metals are coated for protection. While some pins are minimally decorated, with starkly compelling monotone imprinted designs, others are richly decorated and colored. Colors may be found in enamel or cloisonné, in jewels or colored stones, in seed pearls, or in the use of a variety of metals.
The shapes of nursing pins are varied. Circular pins are perhaps most common, but other shapes include ovals -- arranged horizontally or vertically -- shields, triangles, and stars. An extensive variety of crosses is found in the basic shapes of nursing pins or as an overlay against a background. Dozens of cross designs include Celtic, Flory (flowery), Maltese, and Pattee. Although great symbolism is attached to the structural design of the cross, the cross' significance to the nursing school was probably more local than global.
Similarly, the distinctive symbols represented in nursing pins are more likely to be meaningful to the institution than to the traditions of heraldry. The Nightingale lamp is found frequently, as are leaves, laurel wreaths, and anchors. Sacred objects are commonly included in the logo, particularly from nursing schools affiliated with a religious tradition. The caduceus, traditionally the symbol of medicine, is occasionally found, as are decorative geometric designs. Less frequently, the profile of a distinguished person is represented on the pin, and then it is usually the founding physician of the hospital or school. Official seals may represent the state, church, or parent institution such as hospital, college, or university. A few state or city hospitals that operated early nursing schools included a representation of the hospital building on the nursing pin, but more often state and city symbols such as flowers, birds, or feathers were captured on the pin.
Fashionable designs representing the times were reflected in nursing pins. For example, many late 19th Century pins included a rectangular bar with a hanging device such as a circular emblem attached by a delicate chain. Ribbons, bows, buckles, and patriotic bunting were worked into exquisite decorative symbols, often pierced, cutout, or layered, reminiscent of the Victorian era when they were designed. The nurse's pin secured a place of importance equal to the lady's brooch. Collectors of Victoriana are attracted to the elegance of nurses' pins and chatelaines, and the number of militariana collectors branching into nursing treasures is also growing.
In the 21st Century, collectors have thousands of distinctive pins to discover and treasure. Most nursing pin collectors are nurses or their family members who have developed a passion for these tiny, tangible symbols of this singularly respected profession. The sentimental value increases over time, and the attachment becomes palpable when the prized pin is lost or misplaced and a replacement sought. Many collectors start by searching to replace a specific pin, then developing a fascination for other nursing pins. In recent years, historic nursing memorabilia and ephemera have become more appealing to collectors, including nursing school alumnae associations, archives, and museums. As schools of nursing celebrate milestones or prepare to close, they customarily prepare an illustrated history of the school, and their unique nursing pin may become a cherished centerpiece.
The rarest collectors specialize in pins with specific design elements or symbolism, and they may feel drawn to the energy of individual pins in a way they cannot explain. Handling these pins, they feel a connection with the original owner, and embracing this feeling by wearing or displaying the pin honors the nurse who earned it. This passion stimulates them to continuously seek and expand their valuable collections. Some have limited their collections to particularly beautiful designs in 10k or 14k gold, or to pins from specific schools of nursing, or to the most colorful pins they can find.
Today these highly collectible treasures are worn as fine jewelry by men and women in addition to an adornment on the nurse's uniform. Although some clinical work environments discourage the wearing of pins for infection control reasons, particularly with scrub suits, the nurse may wear his pin on a lab coat or attached to his building ID badge. In non-clinical settings, men and women may wear the pin as a tie bar or scarf ornament, or on the lapel or collar of a jacket or dress.
The tradition of the nursing pin reflects the distinctive nursing school, the nurse's pride in his or her school, and the honor of graduating into a profession of service to others. The nurse's pin is physical evidence that represents our professional history and heritage, and it is intrinsic to our identity.
If you are interested in nursing pins and nursing memorabilia be sure to check out http://www.rubylane.com/shops/nursingpins
| |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
| LeaRae, I want to thank you for extending your laser sharp focus, expertise, and compassion to me during our first complimentary coaching session! The value of what you provided me in such a short time you can not put a price on! You turned my confusion, self-doubt, and concern into actionable steps, clarity, and excitement. Your service has helped get me un-stuck and one step closer to fulfilling my passion.
Lisbeth Overton, Edina, MN
Yesterday we had a fruitful MasterMind session with LeaRae and others. There is plenty that you can learn from joining her MasterMind group. Start up mistakes can be costly and time consuming. You will be happy to avoid them.
Joyce Fiodembo, Brookpark, OH
MasterMind calls with LeaRae have been and continue to be an inspiration and a true gift to Nurse Entrepreneurs who have a strong desire to succeed.
Mary Pat DeWald, Evergreen, CO
Thanks LeaRae for the complimentary coaching session. Your reassurance meant a lot to me. I have more confidence knowing that my business venture is viable. Thanks for the tips you gave me and more importantly, thanks for your time.
Joyce Fiodembo, RN
Brookpark, OH
International Nurse Support
I want to let you know how much I value your articles. I consider them priceless with the wealth of tips, advice & information they provide. I have to tear myself away from reading them so I can focus on implementing what I have learned. My goal is to eventually read all 494 issues.
Also, thank-you so very much for the complimentary coaching session we had Wednesday. You made excellent suggestions that I am now incorporating into my business strategies.
Laura M. Rouse RN, BSN, LNC, CRNI
Specialty Infusion Services L.L.C.
This email is to thank you for your website and for the help you have been for me personally.
When I started my website, I thought I had a good idea, and I tried to do everything at once. After my free consultation with you, I focused on building my list, as you recommended. In the process of doing that, I kept adding content, and creating "give aways" to encourage people to sign up.
I actually got somewhat discouraged for awhile, but then one day I got a call from a man who owned a company that sells supplies to home health and hospice agencies. He said you had referred me to him. When he looked at my website with all its content, he called me back and said, "You are the perfect person for me."
So, now I am doing just what I had intended to do with my website, from home, working for this company. I am salaried, plus I get part of any service or product that I helped develop.
I am amazed by how this has all fallen together! Thank you, LeaRae, for your advice and for your referral. Now I am doing just what I want to be doing. I am working from home as a nurse.
Sue Hull, RN, MSN, CWOCN
WoundConsultations.com
Aberdeen, WA
What an awesome resource you are! Thank you for the work you do and share. This is such an empowering site, and provides a launch pad for those of us just trying to find a means of beginning.
April Hopkins-Freeman
Louisville, NE
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! It was a pleasure speaking with you today, and our conversation was most insightful. I'm so happy you are there. I will keep in touch. Keep up the great work!
Stephanie Johnson
Nursing Staff Solutions
Lake Balboa, CA
LeaRae, thank you for [the MasterMind group] and to everyone else for sharing of yourselves and your visions! You each are an inspiration and I just love the fact that opportunity abounds for us to be successful in our chosen profession.
Mary Pat DeWald
Evergreen, CO
I had the benefit of one on one with LeaRae, and the information exchanged was exciting, intriguing, as well as educational. What a wonderful teacher. LeaRae allows you the freedom to brainstorm and encourages new thoughts. She is not afraid of unusual or different ideas. Everything you might expect in an entrepreneur. I would strongly encourage others to join the forums, but also take part of the community she is building.
I think she is a wonderful coach and her web site is a reflection of that. Thank you LeaRae! Stellar job!
Claire Hull, RN,CCM,CLNC
Cary NC
www.thejerklnc.com
I absolutely love your site.
Dr. Donna Hebbeler, FNP
Anchorage, AK
"Wow! Whoopee! and Thank you! LeaRae, my coaching session with you was everything I wanted and needed. I had been spinning my wheels with regard to my business interests, leaving me both frustrated and weary. In a matter of minutes, you lifted my spirits, opened my eyes and got me thinking about my mission in a new light. Thank you for helping me change my focus. I no longer feel like I'm in a mental quagmire. My hat is off to you as a coach as well as to the Nurse-Entrepreneur-Network for all the information and support it gives to the enterprising person in all of us."
Cynthia Conklin, RN
Sharon, CT
"I talked to you this summer, and wanted to let you know how progress is going... You gave me alot of encouragement, and I wanted to let you know that even tho it is slow, [my legal nurse consulting] business is starting to build. I just completed my first entire case review, did 1 sub-contracting with possible testifying, and am now on my 2nd case as testifying expert and will testify. I emailed approximately 70 attorneys in the past 2 weeks, and the case I am now working on came from the emailing, and I hope that an attorney that responded is not scared off with my fee schedule. I hope that I will hear from more of the attorneys that I emailed and mailed out my packets to. Keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer that it works. I am really hoping that I can get this flying, so that I can spend more time at home with the kids.
I wanted to thank you for your encouragement, and please post this on your site if it is possible, as you have done a world of good for me."
Beth Trussell RN, CLNC
Akron, OH
"LeaRae Keyes is a world-class life coach I have been blessed to know since 2003. She is a warm, perceptive, genuine professional, with an exceptional gift for motivating others. Her approach seems quite effortless, yet it has been refined through years of experience and learning. She is a true pleasure. She is an inspiration in what she has achieved in her own life, and by her own example..."
Catherine Bobenhausen
New York, NY
"I'm so glad I found the Nurse Entrepreneur Network! LeaRae always has great ideas to share with other "Nursepreneurs." I recently finished the teleclass "Get Clients Now!" and I have to say that it was the most motivational and informative program I've done.
Just starting out in my business as an LNC, this program help me set goals and keep me organized. It also kept me accountable to my peers in the group each week. LeaRae is so insightful and has wonderful experience to draw from for those of us who are beginning our dream of being nurse entrepreneurs.
I would highly recommend ANYONE who is just starting their business, or even someone who's been in business awhile and feels like they're in a lull to take this class. They won't regret it!"
Danielle D. Shapiro, RN, BSN, CMSRN, LNC
Shapiro Medical Legal Consulting
Las Vegas, NV
Following a free complimentary coaching session: "Thank you for taking the time to address my concerns and questions regarding marketing techniques. Your keen insight into the art of becoming a successful nursepreneur is so valuable and helpful even to those of us who have been practicing as independents for years! I enjoy reading your weekly tips and have used them in promoting my business. You have given me the confidence to market my business, my services and myself with ease."
Kathleen Loeffler, RN, Legal Nurse Consultant
Medical Litigation Consulting Services
Carlsbad CA
www.kellnc.com |
|
|
|
|
About Founder
