WHERE IT STARTED
1. It begins with a cross
- The Maltese CrossThe pin's history traces back to it
- Worn by the CrusadersAs a symbol of service
Source: Museum of Nursing History.
1855
2. A brooch from the Queen
- Queen Victoria gave Florence Nightingale a jewelGold, enamel and diamonds
- Said to be designed by Prince AlbertEngraved for her devotion to the soldiers
- Why a brooch?No medal existed for a female civilian
Source: National Army Museum, London.
LONDON
3. The first school badge
- The Nightingale School at St Thomas' HospitalNursing training on Nightingale's model
- Graduates got a badgeWith a Maltese Cross, when they finished the program
Source: Museum of Nursing History.
NEW YORK
4. Bellevue makes it American
- 1873: Bellevue's training school opensThe first US school run on Nightingale's principles
- 1880: the first US class pinPresented to Bellevue's graduating class
- Designed by Tiffany & Co.Worn by Bellevue graduates
Sources: NYU Langone Health Archives; Museum of Nursing History.
THE SYMBOLS
5. What Bellevue's pin meant
- A craneVigilance
- A band of blueConstancy
- Red and poppiesMercy and the relief of suffering
Sources: Museum of Nursing History; NYU Langone Health Archives.
MYTH VS FACT
6. Did Nightingale get the first pin?
- Myth: "Nightingale received the first nursing pin"A popular story online
- Fact: museums document a royal broochGiven because no medal existed for her
- Fact: by 1916, pinning was traditionIn both England and the US
- Fact: every school designs its own pinYours is unique to your school
Sources: National Army Museum; Museum of Nursing History.
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