- The Nightingale Pledge -
Updates for Contemporary Nursing Practice in Canada

The Nightingale Pledge is the oath recited by graduating nurses as they enter the nursing profession. Fashioned on the Hippocratic Oath, it was not written by Florence Nightingale and there is no evidence she was aware of its existence.

Contemporary nursing practice may need an updated oath to more accurately reflect the more modern context of the nursing profession.

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The original 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."

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This pledge was first used in 1893 and recited by the graduating class of Harper Hospital. The pledge itself was penned by Lystra E. Gretter with input from a committee at the Farrand Training School for Nurses, Detroit, Michigan.

The pledge reflects nursing practice and the role of the nurse at the time it was written, but nevertheless it encompasses the underlying values of the nursing profession such as:

• duty to care
• the ethical principle of non-malfeasance
• confidentiality
• client advocacy

There is no question that the language that was suitable in 1893 is outdated for contemporary nursing practice. More contemporary versions of the Nightingale Pledge have been proposed which include changes such as:

• elimination of the reference to God
• elimination of the references to purity
• adding in references to social justice
• substituting "aid the physician" with terms like "collaborate with the health care team"

Other Versions of the Nightingale Pledge

Here is my own version of the Nightingale Pledge, updated to reflect contemporary nursing practice in Canada.

As I enter the nursing profession I pledge to:

• use all the knowledge, skills, and understanding that I possess when providing professional nursing care
• deliver nursing care non-judgmentally and to all those who require it, to the best of my ability
• refrain from any action which might be harmful to the quality of life or health of those I care for.
• treat each client with respect.
• hold in professional confidence all the personal information entrusted to me.
• keep my professional knowledge and skills at the highest level.
• give my support and cooperation to all members of the health care team.
• contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession.
• maintain my nursing practice in accordance with the professional nursing standards required for my profession.

You are invited to tell me what you think of my version of the Nightingale Pledge.

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Here is a list of all the the pages on this website (including this one) that contain more specific information about ethics in nursing.

Nursing Ethics in Canada - an introduction to the regulations that require ethical nursing practice in Canada.

What is the Nursing Code of Ethics for nursing practice in Canada?

The What's and Why's of an Ethical Code for Nursing Practice

Ethical Theories - a brief explanation of the three classifications of ethical theories used most often by nurses

What is an Ethical Dilemma in Nursing Practice? - a description of the ethical principles used in moral reasoning in nursing practice.

Ethical Decision Making in Nursing Practice - the Influence of Personal and Professional Values

Ethical Issues in Nursing Practice in Canada - What are Some of the Current Ethical Issues in Nursing?

The requirement for Ethics in Nursing Curriculum in Canada

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