The Nightengale Pledge

[Named in honor of Florence Nightengale, this standard pledge for nurses was first used for a graduating nurses' class in Detroit Michigan in 1893. The Nightingale Pledge for nurses was drawn up at the old Harper Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. The pledge, adaptation of the Hippocratic Oath taken by physicians, was arranged by Mrs. Lystra E. Gretter and a Committee for the Farrand Training School for Nurses, Detroit.]

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.

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