The Meaning of the Lamp

Arguably the greatest moment in one's career is becoming a professional nurse, attending one's graduation ceremony and participating in reciting the Nurses' Pledge of Service whilst holding a lamp.

The Pledge of Service represents the nurses' philosophy of care. But how does the lamp contribute to this solemn moment?

Attached the Meaning of the Lamp as explained by Ms Gordon Alexander and Mrs Charlotte Searle (1945). Nursing Update Dec/Jan 2004/05, 28(11), page 52