INTRODUCTION:

Brief history of Florence Nightingale

(The Lady With The Lamp):

Florence Nightingale, born on May 12th, 1820, in Florence, Italy, is often regarded as the founder of modern nursing. Her contributions to healthcare reform and nursing practices during the 19th century significantly impacted the profession and patient care.

Florence Nightingale was born into a wealthy English family, and her father, William Nightingale, provided her with an education that included subjects such as statistics, language, history, and mathematics. This education was unusual for Victorian women at the time, reflecting her family's progressive views. At the age of 17, Nightingale began to visit sick people at home, demonstrating an early interest in healthcare and nursing. Despite her family's social standing, she felt a calling to care for the sick and vulnerable. In 1851, Florence Nightingale's interest in nursing deepened, and her father granted her permission to pursue formal training. This decision was influenced by the outbreak of the Crimean War (1853–1856), where British, French, and Ottoman forces fought against Russia. The Crimean War was marked by inadequate medical facilities, poor sanitation, and high mortality rates among wounded soldiers. After receiving an appeal for help from the Minister of War, Nightingale, along with 38 trained nurses, went to the British military hospital in Scutari (modern-day Istanbul), Turkey. Upon her arrival in 1854, Nightingale found deplorable conditions at the hospital. The wounded soldiers were crowded into unsanitary and overcrowded rooms, leading to the spread of diseases like cholera and malaria. Nightingale dedicated herself tirelessly to patient care. She made rounds during the night, carrying a lamp to illuminate her path. Her commitment earned her the affectionate title "the lady with the lamp." This symbolic gesture became an enduring image associated with her dedication to nursing. Nightingale implemented significant reforms at Scutari Hospital. She emphasized the importance of sanitation, proper hygiene, and ventilation. Her statistical analysis demonstrated that improved sanitary conditions significantly reduced mortality rates. After the war, Florence Nightingale's contributions to nursing and healthcare were widely recognized. She became a symbol of compassion, efficiency, and reform in nursing practices. Nightingale's influence extended beyond the military, and she continued to advocate for healthcare reform and nursing education. Nightingale's legacy endured throughout her life. She founded the Nightingale Training School for Nurses at St. Thomas' Hospital in London, which became a model for nursing education. She also wrote extensively on healthcare, nursing, and social reform.^{1, 2, 3}

Significance of Lamp lighting ceremony in nursing:

The lamp lighting ceremony in the nursing profession is a symbolic and significant event that marks the transition of nursing students into the professional realm. Rooted in the legacy of Florence Nightingale, the ceremony has become a tradition that holds deep meaning and inspiration for those entering the nursing profession.

1. Symbolism of the Lamp: The lamp in the ceremony serves as a powerful symbol with multifaceted meanings. It represents knowledge, the removal of ignorance, and a lasting wealth of wisdom. As Florence Nightingale herself was known as "the lady with the lamp," the ceremony pays homage to her pioneering contributions to modern nursing.

2. Entry into the Nursing Profession: The lamp lighting ceremony is a formal declaration of a student's entry into the nursing profession. It marks the culmination of their education and training, signifying the readiness to embark on a career dedicated to healthcare, compassion, and patient well-being.

3. Unique Tradition in Nursing: The lamp lighting ceremony is unique to the nursing profession. Unlike other professions, nursing schools incorporate this ceremony into their graduation rituals. It reflects the special significance that the nursing community places on the transition from student to professional caregiver.

4. Symbolic Meanings of Light: Light in the ceremony carries various symbolic meanings. It represents enlightenment, experience, hope, love, comfort, and positivity. The act of lighting a lamp is seen as a symbolic gesture of driving away darkness and negativity, emphasizing the positive impact that nurses can have on the lives of their patients.

5. Oath of Professionalism: During the lamp lighting ceremony, nursing students often take an oath, pledging to discharge their duties with honesty, integrity, and without discrimination. This oath reflects the ethical and moral principles that are foundational to the nursing profession.

6. Lighting a Lamp for Others: The ceremony instills the idea that lighting a lamp for someone else not only benefits the person receiving the light but also illuminates the path of the one who lights it. This concept embodies the selfless and caring nature of nursing, where professionals strive to bring light and comfort to those in need.

7. Historical Roots: While the exact origin of the first lamp lighting ceremony is not documented, it is believed to have been inspired by Florence Nightingale's legacy. Nursing schools in the United States began incorporating lamp lighting into their graduation ceremonies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, solidifying it as a tradition with historical significance.^4
5

Original Florence nightingale pledge -1983:

The Florence Nightingale Pledge, composed in 1893 by Lystra E. Gretter and a committee for the Farrand Training School for Nurses in Detroit, is a modified version of the traditional Hippocratic Oath. This pledge serves as a symbolic commitment for individuals entering the nursing profession and is named in honor of Florence Nightingale, often regarded as the founder of modern nursing.

The 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 work and devoted towards the welfare of those committed to my care”. ^{6, 7}

Meaning of Florence Nightingale pledge:

"I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly":

The pledge begins with a solemn commitment, invoking a sense of responsibility before a higher power and in the presence of witnesses. This emphasizes the gravity and sincerity of the promises being made.

"To pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully":

The commitment to purity indicates a dedication to moral and ethical conduct in both personal and professional life. Practicing the profession faithfully emphasizes a commitment to uphold the duties and responsibilities of the healthcare profession with honesty and dedication.

"I shall abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous":

This part of the pledge reinforces the commitment to avoiding actions or substances that can be harmful or have negative consequences. It reflects a dedication to the well-being of patients and the broader community.

"And shall not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug":

This emphasizes the responsibility of the healthcare professional to avoid prescribing or administering medications that are known to be harmful or could cause harm to the patient.

"I shall do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession":

Healthcare professionals pledge to actively contribute to the improvement and advancement of their field. This may involve staying updated on medical knowledge, adhering to ethical standards, and promoting excellence in patient care.

"And will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping":

Similar to the traditional Oath, this part underscores the importance of patient confidentiality. Healthcare professionals commit to keeping private and secure all information shared with them during the course of their professional duties.

"And all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling":

Extending the commitment to confidentiality to include information about patients' families, this emphasizes the healthcare professional's duty to respect the privacy of individuals connected to the patient.

"I shall be loyal to work and devoted towards the welfare of those committed to my care":

This part highlights loyalty to the profession and a dedication to the well-being of patients. It reflects a commitment to providing compassionate and attentive care to those entrusted to the healthcare professional's supervision.

This pledge is commonly recited during significant events such as nursing graduation or pinning ceremonies. It is also frequently included in programs that celebrate and honor nurses, particularly during Nurses Week (May 6-12) or on Nurses Day (May 6). The choice of these dates is significant as May 12 marks the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the revered founder of modern nursing. The pledge serves as a symbolic and respectful commitment to the core values and principles of nursing, making it a central part of ceremonies that recognize the dedication and contributions of nurses.^{8 9}

Impact of lamp lighting ceremony on nursing students- Student’s perspective.

The lamp lighting ceremony holds significant meaning for nursing students and is often considered a symbolic and memorable event in their educational journey. Here are some potential impacts of the lamp lighting ceremony from the perspective of nursing students:

1. Symbolic Transition: The lamp lighting ceremony is often seen as a symbolic transition from the academic phase to the clinical or professional phase of a nursing career. It marks the moment when students move from theoretical learning to practical application, embracing their roles as caregivers.

2. Sense of Achievement: For nursing students, the ceremony can instill a sense of accomplishment and achievement. Completing nursing education is a challenging and rigorous process, and the lighting of the lamp may symbolize the knowledge, skills, and dedication they have acquired during their studies.

3. Professional Identity: The ceremony reinforces the development of a professional identity among nursing students. It is a ritual that emphasizes the responsibilities and commitments associated with being a nurse, fostering a sense of pride and connection to the nursing profession.

4. Sense of Community: The lamp lighting ceremony is often a communal event, bringing together students, faculty, and sometimes even alumni. This fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among nursing students, creating a shared experience that bonds them together as they embark on their nursing careers.

5. Inspiration and Motivation: The ceremony can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for nursing students. It may remind them of the noble nature of their chosen profession and the impact they can have on patients' lives. The symbolic act of lighting the lamp can fuel their passion for providing compassionate and competent care.

6. Reflection on Values: The event provides an opportunity for students to reflect on the values and principles that underpin nursing practice. It encourages them to consider the importance of empathy, integrity, and professionalism in their interactions with patients and colleagues.

7. Connection to Nursing Tradition: Lamp lighting ceremonies have historical roots in nursing traditions. By participating in such a ceremony, students connect with the legacy of nursing and become part of a long-standing tradition, reinforcing the continuity and heritage of the profession.

8. Transition to Clinical Practice: As nursing students transition from the classroom to clinical practice, the lamp lighting ceremony can serve as a symbolic bridge, helping them mentally and emotionally prepare for the challenges and rewards of working in a healthcare setting¹⁰.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, the lamp lighting ceremony in nursing, rooted in the remarkable legacy of Florence Nightingale, holds profound significance for nursing students as they embark on their professional journey. This symbolic transition from academic study to practical caregiving is marked by a sense of achievement, fostering a professional identity and a commitment to the core values of nursing. The ceremony also creates a sense of community, inspiring and motivating students to uphold the noble principles of their chosen profession. As a reflection on values and a connection to nursing traditions, the event instills a deep sense of responsibility and pride. Moreover, the lamp lighting ceremony serves as a bridge to clinical practice, aiding students in the mental and emotional preparation needed for the challenges and rewards ahead. Overall, this ritual reinforces the timeless commitment of nurses to provide compassionate and competent care, making it a memorable and impactful milestone in their educational and professional journey.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

None.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT:

Supportive system of AIIMS Bibinagar.

REFERENCES:

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2. Nightingale F. Florence Nightingale. Cassandra: an essay. 1979. Am J Public Health. 2010;100(9):1586–7.

3. Histroy.com Editors. Florence nightingale [updated on 2023 April 24th ] [Accessed on 2024 Feb 13]. Available from https://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/florence-nightingale-1

4. Vidhyadeep university. Lamp Lighting and oath taking ceremony. [updated on 2023 May 10] [ accessed on 2024 Feb 13]. A: https://www.vidhyadeepuni.ac.in/lamp-lighting-and-oath-taking/#:~:text=The%20tradition%20of%20lamp%20lighting,entry%20into%20the%20nursing%20profession.

5. Maqbool S, Amin U. Significance of lamp lighting. Journal of nursing research, education and management. 2022. 4(1). E-ISSN:2582-001X.

6. VUSN communciations. Florence nightingale pledge [updated on 2010 Nov 3rd] [Accessed on 2024 Feb 13]. Available from: https://nursing.vanderbilt.edu/news/florence-nightingale-pledge/

7. Florence Nightingale Pledge". NursingWorld. American Nurses Association. Archived from the original [updated on 2016 Aug 16] [Accessed on 2024 FEB 13]

8. Yates, David. "Lystra Eggert Gretter". The Truth About Nursing. (Accessed on 2024 Feb 13]

9. What is the Nightingale Pledge?. [Accessed on 2024 Feb 13] available from: https://www.herzing.edu/blog/what-nightingale-pledge#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20American%20Nurses,their%20work%20as%20a%20nurse.

10. Harmanchi P, Buldan O. The effect of uniform wearing and candle lighting ceremony on nursing students’ perspective on the profession – a qualitative study. European Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine. 2023: 21(3):519-528. DOI: 10.15584/ejcem.2023.3.14

Received on 13.02.2024 Modified on 09.05.2024

Int. J. Nur. Edu. and Research. 2024; 12(3):215-218.

DOI: 10.52711/2454-2660.2024.00046