JM
Jenna Melchionna
  • nursing
  • Class of 2013
  • Sewell, NJ

Jenna Melchionna Participated in Traditional Nightingale Ceremony at Widener University

2013 May 21

Jenna Melchionna of Sewell, NJ graduated from Widener University's School of Nursing on May 18. On Friday, May 17 students participated in a Nightingale Ceremony, a traditional pinning ceremony for graduating nursing students, reflecting the values and traditions of the profession.

While holding a lit candle to honor the late Florence Nightingale, who made late night, solitary rounds in a Crimean military hospital to care for wounded soldiers by candlelight, all students will recite the Nightingale Pledge, written by the International Council of Nurses, and vow to uphold the integrity of the profession. The burning candle flame symbolizes the human spirit that is at the core of healing both now and back then.

Emily E. Chambers, who was the keynote speaker, has promoted evidence-based health education for nearly two decades. She encouraged students that what the do on a daily basis is where they will make difference.

Widener University is a private, metropolitan university that connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention, leadership development and experiential learning are key components of the Widener experience. A comprehensive doctorate-granting university, Widener is comprised of eight schools and colleges that offer liberal arts and sciences, professional and pre-professional curricula leading to associate, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. The university's campuses in Chester, Exton, Harrisburg, Pa., and Wilmington, Del., serve some 6,500 students. Visit the university website, www.widener.edu.