From left, San Jacinto College students Kaylee Fields, Felicia Cruse, and Maxin Benavides recite the Nightingale Pledge during the graduation ceremonies at the North campus. Photo credit: Rob Vanya, San Jacinto College marketing department.

Nightingale ceremony spotlights nursing students

HOUSTON – Students of San Jacinto College North’s vocational nursing program recently participated in a special Nightingale graduation ceremony, named after the “Mother of Nursing,” Florence Nightingale.

Keynote speaker Jeffery Lockett, a nursing instructor at the College, commended the students for their dedication, and encouraged them to be sincere and genuine. “Be a nurse for the right reasons,” Lockett commented. “Don’t make it about the money, but about providing quality medical care with compassion to people in need. You are not called to get a red carpet treatment, but rather to roll up your sleeves and serve others with care and mercy. Follow the example of Mother Theresa, who treated each patient as though he or she were Christ.”

The Nightingale ceremony is the equivalent to a commencement exercise for nursing students at the North campus, during which graduating students bear lighted lamps and recite the Nightingale Pledge. 

Florence Nightingale was world renown for her outstanding service to the soldiers during the Crimean War in the 1800s. She became the “Mother of Nursing” for her extraordinary care. During her long walks through the hospitals and wards, Nightingale carried a small lamp of oil to light her way and became known as the “lady with the lamp.” Nightingale’s lamp became symbolic of nursing and of the care and devotion nurses administer to the sick and injured. Thus, nursing students pledge to carry the ideals displayed by Florence Nightingale.

San Jacinto College offers an array of nursing degree plans and course options at all three campuses. Nursing students receive clinical patient care experience through extended campus facilities at local health care centers and at the Texas Medical Center.

San Jacinto College serves a diverse population of more than 27,000 students in over 140 degrees and certificates in university transfer and technical programs. The College also serves the community through workforce training. Students come with various goals and aspirations and we are committed to their success. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about San Jacinto College, please visit www.sanjac.edu, or call 281-998-6150.

Contact: Rob Vanya