Florence_Nightingale

While it’s hard to disagree with some elements of the pledge, it's not exactly appropriate for nursing in the 21st century. The pledge was written during a time period where women did not have the rights that we now have, so their role was more subservient to that of the physician. This pledge was, in a sense, an attempt to shape the image of nurses. Although some of the rituals now seem outdated, they had a purpose. They make the point that nursing is more than just a job, but rather an oath to faithfully care for patients. I can’t argue with some statements in this pledge, for instance, keeping confidences, not taking or knowingly administering a harmful drug, practicing the profession faithfully, and pledging before God. For me, I do believe in God and have no problem with that statement, however, I can understand that being a hard statement to accept for someone who does not believe. I think the problem with this pledge comes in with the phrases “life in purity”, “abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous” and “with loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work”. These statements do not seem reasonable this day and age. While there may be nothing wrong with trying to live a pure lifestyle, it just is not practical with young people these days. Also, while I think it is important to aid the physician, some people, like Lisa Newton, can take that to the extreme, which can be detrimental to the patient. I don’t believe that a physician is the “be all and end all” and is the only one who knows what is best for the patient. I think the pledge had the right idea, but is only in need of some updating for our modern day culture.