• Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.890-900
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to explore the experience the Nightingale pledge rituals of nursing students. Rituals are how people have always passed on their value system to the young, the next generation. Data were collected using focus group interviews and participant observations from 2012 to 2014. First researchers attended and observed Nightingale pledge rituals. And the three focus group interviews were held with a total 22 nursing students participating. All interviews were recorded and transcribed as they were spoken, and data was analyzed using ethnography methodology. The results were the participants experienced the nurse identity and connectedness with others through Nightingale pledge rituals. Also, they experienced "a river that can't be crossed,", thus go through a transition stage such as a rite of passage with a firm determination on their nursing career. The Nightingale pledge rituals allowed to the nursing students close relationship and the sense of community by going through ritual procedures.