A number of young women, dressed in white and carrying golden lamps with lighted candles, were reciting the International Pledge for Nurses. “In full knowledge of the obligations I am undertaking, I promise to care for the sick with all the skill and understanding I possess, without regard to race, creed, colour, politics or social status, sparing no effort to conserve life, to alleviate suffering and to promote health.” The hall echoed with their recital.
Several people had gathered to witness this ceremony at the Aga Khan University School of Nursing on Friday where 112 second-year nursing students, who have finished their Diploma in Nursing and BScN programmes, gathered to take their professional oath. The lamp symbolises a promise to uphold the values of the nursing profession and to follow the path set by nursing pioneers, Rufayda Al Aslamiya, the first Muslim nurse, and Florence Nightingale. It was the 30th Lamp Lighting Ceremony at the Aga Khan University.
‘I promise to care for the sick…’
