BukSU CON celebrates its 13th Pinning, Ring Hopping Ceremony

MALAYBALAY CITY – BukSU CON held its 13th Pinning and Ring Hopping Ceremony for the Batch Rephaiah Class 2022-2023 on June 2, 2023 at BukSU Gymnasium with the theme: “Embodying the Essence of Care: BukSU Nursing Students as Ambassadors of Change, Compassion and Dedication in the Pursuit of Holistic Healing”.

The ceremony was a momentous occasion to the student nurses as it marked the beginning of their professional lives where they will eventually experience the noble tasks of being nurses. 

Aside from the 82 candidates and their parents, the event was attended by the VPAA Dr. Hazel Jean Abejuela, VPAF Mr. Dante S. Victoria Jr., Dean of the College Nursing Dr. Ma. Algerica T Cuenco, CON Chairperson Dr. Fatima T Tanzo, and CON Faculty force and staff.

This ceremony was not only full of joy and excitement, but it was also full of symbolisms. Pinning and Ring Hopping Ceremony symbolize that the student nurses have responded to the calling for the nursing profession.

A pinning ceremony is a traditional part of many nursing institutions’ graduating events. The pinning formalizes the transition from student to professional nurse. The tradition itself has roots back to the 12th century but is more typically associated with Florence Nightingale, considered the founder of modern nursing, who presented medals of excellence to exemplary nursing graduates at her London school. By the early 20th century, it became standard in Nursing Schools to award all nursing graduates a pin to celebrate their successes as students and their futures in the profession. This means that they are already equipped with the exemplary knowledge, skills and attitude which arm them to face the challenges of nursing profession and they have inculcated the commitment to lifelong learning, professionalism in caring patients and most especially, making a difference to the lives of their future clients.

This celebration was also made remarkable because of the presence of Mr. Melvin D. Miranda, President of the Philippine Nurses Association who served as the guest speaker. Mr. Miranda encouraged an emotional and open approach to care for patients as emphasized in the Jean Watson Theory of Caring which is a mutually beneficial experience for both the patient and the nurse, as well as between all health team members.

The CON Dean, Chairperson and Level Coordinators led the pinning ceremony followed by the Ring Hopping with the presence of the candidate’s parents. Special awards were also given to the candidates who have significant contributions to the student body and those who have shown exemplary abilities in the field of research. The emotional Batch Rephaiah also honored and gave tribute to their parents through rendition of their dedication song “MaPa”and giving of token of gratitude. (Aubrey S. Sudaria-Edio)