Sophomores formally enter study of nursing during Fall Pledge Ceremony
The West Virginia University School of Nursing formally welcomed sophomores into the study of nursing during the Fall 2024 Nursing Pledge Ceremony, held Sept. 27 in the Okey Patteson Auditorium.
The nursing pledge is a commitment to demonstrate and respect the moral principles of the nursing profession. Specifically, the WVU School of Nursing Pledge speaks to integrity, compassion, ethics, patient advocacy and lifelong learning.
For Brooke Biggs, the Pledge Ceremony was surreal.
“This milestone is one of many to come but marks the true transitioning into nursing school,” said Biggs, of Margate, United Kingdom. “It is an honor to be able to make a commitment to myself, peers, and profession.”
Biggs said she wants to become a nurse because of education and advocacy. After graduation, she hopes to first work in the pediatric ICU, then to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.
Elijah Maynard, of Parkersburg, WV, wants to become a nurse because of the incredible care his father has received while recoveries from surgeries.
“Every time he returns, he talks about how great his recovery nurses are and how they make him feel instantly comfortable in quite an uncomfortable situation,” Maynard said. “I want to provide that feeling to as many people as possible.”
Maynard sees the Pledge Ceremony as the official start of life as a nurse. After graduation, Maynard plans to work as a post-surgical recovery nurse in a cardiac unit.
For Amber Crabtree, the ceremony was an important academic milestone.
“I was not even accepted into pre-nursing here at WVU until my sophomore year of college,” said Crabtree, of War, West Virginia. “I worked extremely hard to get to where I am today, and the Pledge Ceremony just makes it so real that I am finally getting the opportunity to work towards my dream career at my dream college.”
She encourages others to never give up on their dreams: “Do not let others determine the future that you can make for yourself. Failing plays a big part in the success process, so understand that it is OK to fail, but do not make giving up an option.”
Jada Brost sees the Pledge Ceremony as her commitment to helping others.
“It’s a celebration of my growth and dedication to making a positive impact in people’s lives,” said Brost, of Morgantown.
She said she hopes to work in an ICU after graduation, where she can provide compassionate care to her patients. She also plans to continue furthering her nursing education.
More information about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program can be found at nursing.wvu.edu.
-WVU-
MEDIA CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu