In 1974, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) designated May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, as International Nurses Day.

Florence Nightingale was a prominent British nurse, statistician, and social reformer. She was the foundational philosopher of Modern Nursing, also known for revolutionising healthcare practices.

Born on May 12, 1820, in Florence, Italy to Frances Nightingale and William Shore Nightingale, Florence Nightingale was a trailblazing figure in the field of nursing. Her life was committed for the care of sick and wounded. Florence hailed from a privileged background, but from an early age, she felt a strong calling to help those in need. Despite societal expectations for a young woman of her status, Florence pursued her passion for nursing, a path that wasn’t readily accepted in her time.

In order to achieve her dreams, Nightingale enrolled as a nursing student at the Lutheran Hospital of Pastor Fliedner in Kaiserwerth, Germany in 1844. Her parents were not at all happy by the choice of their daughter. In the early 1850s, Nightingale returned to London, and took a nursing job in a Middlesex hospital.

The Crimean War

During the Crimean War (1854-1856), Florence Nightingale and a group of 38 nurses went to Turkey to aid the war wounded. As soon as she reached at a military hospital in Scutari, she started working against the clock to help soldiers suffering from injuries and diseases.

As a result of bad sanitary and hygiene conditions, typhus, cholera, typhoid, and dysentery were claiming more lives than the battle-related casualties. There were general lack of clean linen, proper hygiene, and essential supplies. The soldiers’ clothing was infested with lice, bugs, and fleas, and the facilities were in deplorable conditions.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, Nightingale identified three critical issues: diet, dirt, and drains. She started importing the food from England and revamped the kitchens. As well as mobilsing her nursing team to clean the wards. Nightingale also encouraged the British government, leading to the arrival of a Sanitary Commission to address ventilation and sewerage issues.

The Lady with the Lamp

Nightingale’s relentless efforts saved countless lives as well as brought attention to the importance of public health. She started performing nightly rounds after the medical officers had retired, earned her the nickname “the Lady with the Lamp”. London Times hailed her as a “ministering angel”.

Revolutionising Healthcare Practices

Nightingale recognised the relation of sanitation with the mortality rate. She also had a great ability to lead, organise, and get things done.

In addition to Florence’s impact on the battlefield, she was a meticulous record-keeper and statistical analyst, as a result she demonstrated the significance of hygiene and sanitation in healthcare. Her pioneering work laid the foundation for modern nursing practices, emphasising the importance of cleanliness, ventilation, and proper nutrition.

The Nightingale Training School and Florence Nightingale Pledge

In 1860, Florence established the Nightingale Training School for Nurses at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London. This marked a pivotal moment in the professionalisation of nursing. She emphasised on practical training and instilled a sense of duty, compassion, and discipline in her students.

The pledge, Nurses in US took is named after her, its the a modified version of the Hippocratic Oath.

I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly to pass my life in purity and to practise my profession faithfully.
I shall abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and shall not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug.
I shall do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling.
I shall be loyal to my work and devoted towards the welfare of those committed to my care

Original “Florence Nightingale Pledge”

Legacy

In 1907, Florence Nightingale was the first woman to receive the Order of Merit. She remains an inspiration for nurses and healthcare professionals worldwide. Marking her birthday as International Nurses Day is a fitting tribute to her enduring influence on the field of nursing and public health.

In her later years, Florence’s health began to decline, but her legacy continued to thrive. Her writings, including “Notes on Nursing,” are foundational texts in nursing education. She passed away on August 13, 1910, leaving behind a transformed healthcare landscape and a profound impact on the nursing profession.

Today, Florence Nightingale’s name is synonymous with compassion, dedication, and excellence in nursing. Her pioneering efforts continue to inspire generations of nurses, reminding us all of the profound impact one person’s determination and care can have on the world.