Nightingale Pledge
The Nightingale Pledge was composed by a committee chaired by Lystra Gretter, an instructor of nursing at the old Harper Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, and was first used by its graduating class in the spring of 1893:
- 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.
- Sometimes changed to: "With loyalty will endeavor to work closely with the health team, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care"