To Maintain and Elevate the Standard of My Profession...

"I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly, to pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully. I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug. I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling. With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care."

Composed in 1893 by Mrs. Lystra E. Gretter and named the Florence Nightingale Pledge to honor the founder of modern nursing, this pledge has launched many a nursing career.  The weight of these words, however, is not always apparent to the graduate nurse.  This May will mark my fifteenth year as a registered nurse.  I will never forget the first time I saw "RN" after my name, engraved on the back of a caduceus necklace.

I establish this blog with the goal of maintaining and elevating the standard of my profession.  I am a registered nurse: a teacher, a healer, a shoulder to cry on, someone to laugh with, a soul to hold the space next to you when you need me.  I am traditional and modern, strong and soft.

I dedicate this blog to Florence Nightingale, and all my fellow registered nurses.