The Evolving Role of Nursing
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Florence Nightingale
The art of nursing is closely tied to a passion for providing care and comfort by nurturing others. Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing, embodied these characteristics. In the 1800s she paved the way in the field of nursing, creating a path of exceptional care and compassion – a path that still guides nurses today.
Nightingale always knew nursing was her calling, but her parents discouraged it because nursing was not considered a suitable profession for a well-educated woman. Convinced of her ability to help people, and against her parent's wishes, Nightingale pursued her childhood dream and received three months nursing training from Pastor Theodore Fliedner at his hospital and school for deaconesses in Germany. Nightingale put this training to good use throughout the Crimean War. It was during this time that she became known as "Lady-in-Chief" for her tireless, compassionate work in caring for wounded soldiers.
What is said to be Nightingale's greatest achievement occurred in 1860, when she began the Nightingale Training School for nurses. Here, women would receive a year of training under Nightingale herself. As Nightingale's life came to a close at the old age of 90 in 1910, her legacy continues to live on in the hearts of nurses forever.