The Nightingale Pledge, created by Lystra Gretter in 1893, revolutionized nursing by establishing ethical standards inspired by Florence Nightingale. First adopted at Harper Hospital, the pledge emphasizes professionalism, confidentiality, continuous learning, patient advocacy, social responsibility, and non-discriminatory care. Over time, it has evolved to include modern nursing values such as community health promotion.
Recited at nursing induction or pinning ceremonies, the Nightingale Pledge marks the transition from student to professional, reinforcing a commitment to ethical practices. Modern versions highlight nursing independence and contemporary ethical standards. The pledge, a statement of nursing ethics and principles, includes commitments to avoid harmful practices and zealously care for the ill.
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Nightingale Pledge
The original version of the Nightingale Pledge
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 shall abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and shall not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug.
I shall 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.
I shall be loyal to my work and devoted towards the welfare of those committed to my care.
1935 revised version
The 1935 revision expanded the nurse‘s role to encompass public health and human welfare. The 1935 revised version with changes italicized:
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 aid the physician in his work, and as a missioner of health, I will dedicate myself to devoted service for human welfare.
Modern Practical Nurse Pledge
Until the 1970s, the original pledge was recited at graduation ceremonies across North America. Recently, it has been altered or dropped to reflect nursing’s autonomy and prioritize patient protection over physician loyalty. Here’s the modern version of the Nightingale Pledge:
Before God and those assembled here, I solemnly pledge;
To adhere to the code of ethics of the nursing profession;
To co-operate faithfully with the other members of the nursing team and do carry out faithfully and to the best of my ability the instructions of the physician or the nurse who may be assigned to supervise my work;
I will not do anything evil or malicious and I will not knowingly give any harmful drug or assist in malpractice.
I will not reveal any confidential information that may come to my knowledge in the course of my work.
And I pledge myself to do all in my power to raise the standards and prestige of the practical nursing;
May my life be devoted to service and to the high ideals of the nursing profession.
The date the pledge was written was 1893, not 1983…