The symbols, traditions and ceremonies in nursing have a long tradition and history. There are four symbols of nursing: nursing cap, a hymn, an oil lamp and nursing uniform. The aim of this study was to evaluate the merits of continuing the tradition and symbolism in contemporary nursing in the opinion of students and nurses. The study included 79 nurses supplementing their education and 64 undergraduate nursing students of the Cracow Academy. For students and nurses, the most important is taking the oath by graduates and being worn a nursing cap during the ceremony. According to 77% of nurses nursing caps should not be work during work. About 45% of students would like to wear a nursing cap, because it is a symbol of membership of the professionals (62%). According to 46% of nurses and 75% of students, the traditions in nursing should be cultivated. The most needed traditions in nursing are the solemn oath and the capping ceremony. According to most respondents the traditions should be cultivated in the current system of education.