Final answer:
The first nursing pin's origin is the Maltese Cross, associated with the military and religious orders of the Crusades. Nursing pins evolved from symbols used by caregivers, with the earliest being the Maltese Cross worn by the Knights Hospitaller. This predates the Nightingale School of Nursing badges and other symbols like nun habits or specific medals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The origin of the first nursing pin can be concluded as the Maltese Cross. The Maltese Cross is associated with the military and religious orders during the time of the Crusades, where hospitallers provided care for the injured and sick. The nursing pin as we know it has evolved from symbols like the Maltese Cross, which was used by these early caregivers. Nursing pins historically signify the school from which nurses graduated, a tradition that began in the 1860s with the Nightingale School of Nursing. Florence Nightingale is recognized as the founder of modern nursing, and she awarded badges to her graduates. However, the custom of wearing a specific nursing pin originated with the Maltese Cross as part of the uniform worn by the Knights Hospitaller.
The history of nursing during the Crusades shows that the caregivers of the time weren't just nuns; they were a diverse group including non-religious military orders like the Knights Hospitaller. Therefore, while nun habit garb and Nightingale's badge have their own places in nursing history, the Maltese Cross is the closest in relation to the first nursing pin.
Additionally, the history of Canadian nursing during World War I, as mentioned in your provided context, highlights the sacrifice and contributions of nurses throughout wars, with recognition in the form of medals and the right to vote, further emphasizing the importance of symbols like pins and badges in nursing history.