Linda Dunham School of Nursing
Nursing Pinning Ceremony

Nursing Pinning Ceremony

The Annual Pinning Ceremony is hosted by the Linda Dunham School of Nursing and brought to you by the Dean’s Development Council. This ceremony is where graduates receive their nursing pins, which signify their entry into the profession of nursing. The pins are a 1,000 year old symbol of service to others, and have become a distinctive mark of nursing excellence.

      Pinning Ceremony Program      
     Pinning Ceremony Invitation     
Student Involvement Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. Rehearsal is Mandatory for participation. If you have a conflict (ie: interview) you must let Dr. Bell and Prof. Mills know prior. Working is not considered an excused conflict. • This is not a dress rehearsal, but you may want to wear your shoes to practice walking across stage in them • RN to BSN may not be able to attend so you may need to assist them with what they miss.

  • No. However, if you do not plan to attend you must notify Dr. Bell in writing prior to returning from Spring Break/Fall Break.  You will still receive your nursing pin after graduation.

  • You are not limited to a specific number of guests but, please be considerate of the space and other participating students. Invitations can be downloaded at the link above.

  • RN to BSN graduates may participate.

  • Food, drinks, balloons, or flowers are not permitted in the Chapel.
    If these are brought they will have to remain at the entrance door to the chapel and your family/friends may pick them up when you exit.

  • A signed policy on file is mandatory to participate in the ceremony.  Failure to adhere to the dress policy as outlined in the document may result in the student not being permitted on stage during the ceremony.

    Dress Policy

  • Yes.

    If you have a family member who is a Registered Nurse (excludes “grandfathered” family members and friends) that you would like to participate in the ceremony and give your nursing pin, please email Dr. Bell and Prof. Mills the following information no later than March 30/October 31:

    • Family Member’s Full Name
    • Phonetic Pronunciation
    • Credentials (and if retired)
    • Relationship

    They must arrive no later than 8:45am outside the Belin Chapel.  I will walk them thru a brief rehearsal (about 30 mins depending on how many are participating).  Please emphasize they cannot be late or they will not be able to participate as this is the only time I will have to work with them.

    **Only one RN family member per student may participate.  Please reach out if you have extenuating circumstances.

Senior Recognitions Bio Template

When you walk across the stage to receive your Nursing Pins, a short Bio will be read about you.  These narratives are known as your Senior Recognitions.  In order to accurately reflect what is relevant, a template can be found below.  Please complete a brief summary in paragraph format about yourself.  These are to be written in 3rd person narrative and should be grammatically correct.  Please follow the instructions. Generally, these are around 150 words each, although this is not a requirement.

Included in your Senior Recognitions will be a brief comment regarding if and where you have accepted employment after graduation.  If you receive a job offer after the Senior Recognitions have been collected then please email Dr. Bell and Prof. Mills so this information may be added in time to be announced during the ceremony.  If you do not want your place of employment announced, then please include a note reflecting this with your email so it can be excluded from your Sr. Bio.  Employment status is also collected for outcomes measurement so the information still needs to be submitted.

Often students want to acknowledge and thank key persons within this forum and although we realize this is important, unfortunately we have time constraints for the ceremony.  Please refrain from adding anything additional to your bio.  Anything beyond what is requested in the template will be removed. The Dean will let the audience know and provide an overall thank you prior to calling student names.

Your Pinning Coordinators will collect these, edit and then compile them for Dr. Bell and Mrs. McNeil, who will review and edit them again, so please watch for communication from your Pinning Coordinators regarding who you are to submit them to and when they will be due.  These are usually collected around mid-semester but you can begin to work on them now if you choose.   Please be respectful of the coordinators’ timeline requests. Failure to submit by the designated date may result in your Senior Bio not being read at the ceremony.

Senior Recognition Bio Template

If you have questions please reach out to Dr. Bell  and Prof. Mills via email. Please allow 48 hours for a response.