The Nightingale Pledge is an oath traditionally recited by nursing graduates during ceremonies. It was created in 1893 by Lystra Gretter, a nursing instructor, and adapted from the Hippocratic Oath for physicians. The pledge contains three sentences where the nursing graduate promises to lead a pure life, faithfully practice their profession, abstain from harmful behaviors and drugs, maintain patient confidentiality, and loyally assist physicians in caring for those under their care.

1. Florence Nightingale The Nightingale Pledge

2. The Nightingale Pledge Originally created in 1893 by a committee chaired by LystraGretter, is traditionally cited by nursing graduates during Honors or Pinning ceremonies. The Nurse's Pledge accompanies the Candle lighting segment of the ceremony.

3. The Nightingale Pledge It was composed by LystraGretter, 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. It is an adaptation of the Hippocratic Oath taken by physicians.

4. The Nightingale 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 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.