Her Lamp Still Guides Us: The Enduring Legacy of Florence Nightingale.

As we gear up to celebrate International Women's Day, I took a moment to reflect on the strong, innovative women who have paved the way for modern nursing. Today, we reflect on Florence Nightingale. Nursing as a profession would not exist today if it were not for her.

Florence's story is one of taking charge and using our gifts and creativity to make a difference. Florence Nightingale was born on May 12, 1820, in Florence, Italy—yes, she was named after her birthplace. Although born in Italy, Florence's family was British. They were temporarily residing in Florence when she was born. Florence was raised in an affluent, well-educated family, and her father supported her education, believing in progressive views on women's education. He had a liberal, humanitarian outlook on life.

It was in 1837, while staying at Embley Park, that Florence felt a deep sense of purpose and believed that her life's calling was to serve others—something she considered a call from God. She kept this decision private from her mother, who opposed it, until 1844. Despite her mother and sister’s anger and resistance, Florence defied societal expectations of women at the time and pursued her path. Becoming a mother and a wife was considered the proper role for women, and nursing was not seen as a noble profession.

Florence's courage to stand her ground teaches us that following our true desires need not conform to society’s expectations. She challenges us to think beyond conventional roles, something we at The Nursing Collective firmly stand behind. When we follow our goals and ambitions with strong conviction, we are living as our true selves.

Florence would later work diligently to educate herself on the science and art of nursing. Yes, nursing is also an art. Florence traveled widely, including visits to Egypt and Greece, which inspired some of her philosophical and intellectual works. Her experiences broadened her perspective and influenced her approach to nursing.

One of her most notable contributions occurred during the Crimean War, starting in 1854. Word reached Britain of the mass casualties and poor conditions in the British military hospitals. Florence, along with 38 other volunteer nurses, was sent to Turkey to care for wounded soldiers. The conditions in the hospitals were appalling, with poor sanitation and overworked medical staff. Florence advocated for improved hygiene, better sanitary conditions, and hand washing, which helped reduce the spread of disease and saved countless lives.

Florence became known as "The Lady with the Lamp" due to her late-night rounds checking on soldiers in the hospital. After her time in the war, she used funds from The Nightingale Fund to establish the first professional nursing school at St. Thomas' Hospital in London on July 9, 1860. This school would later become part of King’s College London, solidifying her legacy as an innovator and leader in nursing education—something we encourage at The Nursing Collective.

Florence's Notes on Nursing: What It Is and What It Is Not, published in 1859, was groundbreaking and helped formalize nursing as a respected profession. She also advocated for autonomous nursing leadership, which played a pivotal role in the development of nursing leadership as we know it today. Florence was the first woman to receive the prestigious Red Cross award for her contributions to healthcare.

Florence’s reforms were far-reaching. She worked to improve healthcare for all sections of British society, advocated for better hunger relief in India, and promoted the expansion of acceptable roles for women in the workforce.

One of her most innovative contributions was in the field of statistics. Florence, who was self-taught in mathematics, introduced statistical analysis through graphical methods, particularly her "polar area diagram." This helped highlight the effects of sanitary conditions on soldier mortality during the Crimean War. Her pioneering use of statistical analysis has become an integral part of evidence-based healthcare practices, guiding modern medical decisions and policy formulation.

Florence’s story is one of courage, taking charge, and using our entrepreneurial spirit. She was detail-oriented, and through careful observation, she was able to bring about significant change. It is the same spirit we embody at The Nursing Collective. We believe in creating opportunities and challenging the stereotypes that exist regarding our potential as nurses.

Florence Nightingale’s legacy is a testament to the power of conviction, innovation, and challenging societal norms. Her unwavering dedication to improving healthcare and empowering women serves as a timeless inspiration for all of us. At The Nursing Collective, we are reminded that with passion, courage, and a commitment to making a difference, we too can transform the future of healthcare. Just like Florence, we have the ability to break barriers, redefine roles, and lead with purpose. As we celebrate the women who paved the way, let’s continue to honor their legacy by pursuing our own dreams with the same determination and vision that Florence Nightingale exemplified. Happy International Women´s Day!

Sinking, Floating, and Finding My Way—Life After Nursing School

Where Have I Been?—The Reality Check After Graduation

Finishing school is supposed to be an exciting milestone, right? You step into the world full of dreams and expectations, ready to take on the next big thing.

For me, that meant diving headfirst into the job market—sending out applications, refreshing my inbox with anticipation, and, more often than not, receiving regret emails.

Job Hunting: A Masterclass in Patience

It’s been about two months now, but I choose to remain hopeful. As a foreign nurse in a country where I’m not a native speaker, I knew the odds were stacked against me. But I also know that my skills, dedication, and passion for nursing make me valuable. The right opportunity will come—I just have to keep pushing forward.

In the meantime, I’ve been intentional about how I use my time. Rather than letting frustration take over, I decided to focus on growth and self-improvement.

Learning to Swim—And the Art of Letting Go

One of the best gifts I received over the holidays was a package for swimming lessons. At first, I thought, Really? Swimming lessons? I would have preferred a more tangible gift. But looking back now, I realize it was the most thoughtful gesture.

When I first started the lessons, I was stiff, nervous, and convinced that if I let go, I would sink. I struggled to trust the water, to relax, and to breathe. My body was so tense, my movements were frantic, and every session felt like a battle between fear and control. I dreaded those evenings.

But week after week, something shifted. The more I showed up, the more I realized that swimming isn’t about fighting the water—on the contrary, it’s about learning to move with it. The more I let go, the more I floated. The more I relaxed, the smoother my strokes became.

I can’t believe I’m even saying this now, but I actually look forward to the lessons. There’s something freeing about surrendering to the water, learning its rhythm, and trusting that you won’t sink. Just like surrendering to life and trusting that you will be held and supported.

Embracing the Ugly, Messy, Beginner Phase

Isn’t that how learning anything new works? Whether it’s swimming, job hunting, or stepping into an unfamiliar role, the beginning is always messy and uncomfortable. It’s scary. It feels like you’re failing.

But if you keep showing up, you adapt. Your body learns. Your confidence grows.

I’ve realized that discomfort is a sign of growth—and instead of resisting it, I want to embrace it.

Rekindling The Nursing Collective

During this period of waiting and uncertainty, I’ve also been reflecting on The Nursing Collective—this space we’re creating together.

What do I want it to be? How can it be more valuable to those navigating nursing, career shifts, or even life after school?

To those of you who have followed along, read our blogs, and interacted with our content—thank you. Your support, feedback, and engagement mean the world to me.

As we move forward, I want this platform to be a space where we can have real conversations about nursing, career growth, personal development, and even the struggles no one prepares you for after graduation.

If there’s a specific topic you’d love to see covered—job search strategies, career alternatives, personal development—let me know. This community is for you, and your input shapes it.

Shifting My Mindset—From Waiting to Creating

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned during this time is how powerful perspective is. It would be easy to sit in disappointment, comparing myself to others who seem to have it all figured out.

But instead, I had this realisation:

Why not use this time to build the life I truly want? A life where creativity is nurtured, innovation is embraced, and I’m not just waiting for opportunities—I’m creating them.

The reality is that the world is shifting. Those who take the leap to start something new, think outside the box, and invest in their passions are the ones who will thrive.

Nursing doesn’t have to look one way. Careers don’t have to be linear. And success isn’t just about landing a job—it’s about crafting a life that aligns with your values and aspirations.

Moving Forward: Let’s Build Together

A hard but necessary lesson I’ve learned? Time management.

It’s easy to let time slip away, waiting for the next big thing. But where you focus your energy is where your life grows. I want to spend my time doing things that nourish my soul, challenge my thinking, and fuel my creativity.

So, as we step into this new chapter of The Nursing Collective, I invite you to think about this:

What’s something you’ve been meaning to start? A skill you’ve been putting off? A project, a goal, or even a small habit?

If learning to swim has taught me anything, it’s this: The fear in the beginning is temporary. But the confidence you build lasts forever.

Let’s start now. Let’s build, create, and grow together. I’d love to hear what skill, project, or goal you’re stepping into—let’s inspire each other! 💬✨

I Have My Nursing Degree, What´s Next?

Becoming a Nurse isn’t easy. We both know it comes with sacrifices—physical, emotional, and yes, financial too. But once you finally get that nursing degree, the question becomes: What’s next?

This is my story, and for the second time, it’s my story all over again. The first time, I was at home, surrounded by all things familiar. This time though, I was far away—miles away— in a foreign country, speaking a language that wasn’t my own. The chance to find a job where I could confidently put my nursing skills to use was there, but I had no idea where to start or how to make it happen.

I hadn’t yet found that kind of mentorship—the kind that felt encouraging, like a guiding hand in unfamiliar waters. That’s when the idea of creating a space, a community where we could come together and share our journeys, began to take root.

There’s always that pressure, right? The pressure to find the perfect job. It’s not just internal pressure; your friends and family often put that weight on you too. There’s also that feeling that you need to start making money fast. I get it.

But here’s something I wish someone had told me sooner: It’s okay to take your time. It’s okay if your path doesn’t make sense to others. This is your journey, and it’s important to figure out where your interests lie. Trust me, you don’t need to rush into something just to check a box.

For me, I was always drawn to subjects like reproductive health, psychology, and understanding how the human body works. I loved reading about these topics and—honestly—teaching them to my classmates. In nursing school, we all learned that being a nurse isn’t just about caring for patients; it’s about being their advocate, educator, and collaborator. It’s about being creative and, sometimes, even entrepreneurial.

As you think about what you want to do, don’t rush. Take your time and explore what truly excites you—whether it’s clinical nursing, community health, research, or something else entirely. Don’t dismiss your natural abilities or creativity either. I truly believe that when you follow your passion, the challenges feel more manageable, even exciting.

Of course, there are so many different roles out there. You could consider hospital roles in areas like ICU, Medical-Surgical Nursing, or Dialysis Care—if that’s where your interests lie. Choose something that motivates you, because when you’re passionate about your work, it won’t feel like work.

And here’s something to remember: Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path. Nursing isn’t just about traditional bedside care. There’s room for you in areas like health technology, content creation, public health, consulting, and even teaching. These are all spaces where your nursing expertise can make a huge impact, just in different ways.

When it comes to internships and clinical practice, trust me—you need to take full advantage of these opportunities. They’re not just about getting through the work; they’re about learning how to connect with patients, build your clinical skills, and understand what it means to really care. Some of my most powerful learning moments happened during my internship. It was intense and challenging, but years later, I look back and appreciate how much it shaped me.

That being said, I do want to highlight that we absolutely need better internship conditions for nursing and medical students, especially in places like Kenya, where I trained. It’s time for us to advocate for better support, better environments—because the future of healthcare depends on it.

One of the core missions of The Nursing Collective is to empower nurses with the tools, knowledge, and resources to advocate for themselves. Knowledge is powerful, but it doesn’t mean anything if we don’t take action. That’s why I encourage you to build your clinical skills, but also invest time in developing your soft skills—things like communication, confidence, and self-management. These are just as important.

I want to be real with you: Building confidence as a new nurse takes time. Imposter syndrome? It’s real. Most of us go through it. But you can overcome it. Take it one day at a time, and challenge yourself to step into situations that push you to grow. Trust me, you will look back and see how much you’ve learned.

Having a mentor can make all the difference. If you can, find someone who’s been through the journey and is willing to share their experiences. It’s like having a guide to help you avoid some of the bumps in the road.

Remember, nursing is always changing. We can’t just sit back and assume we know everything. That’s why we have to keep learning. Whether it’s through workshops, certifications, or skill-building sessions, it’s so important to stay current and evolve with the profession.

The Nursing Collective is all about supporting nurses through this process. And we’re not just here to give advice—we’re actively looking to connect with mentors, and we’d love for you to join us in this journey of mentorship and collaboration. We believe in the power of sharing knowledge and supporting each other, so if you’re experienced and ready to guide others, or if you’re a newer nurse seeking guidance, The Nursing Collective is here for you.

The road may seem long, and sometimes it might feel like it’s just one challenge after another, but remember: You’re not alone. We’re in this together.

From Doubt to Empowerment: The Birth of The Nursing Collective

After years of intense study, sleepless nights, and gruelling clinical rotations, you have finally made it—you’re a nurse! But as you step into the world beyond nursing school, a new challenge arises: What’s next?

You once had a vision—perhaps vague, but powerful. You dreamed of making a difference, bringing about change in the world. Now, that vision keeps you awake at night. The pressure to find the right job weighs on you, yet something deeper stirs within. You can’t shake the feeling that you are meant for more.

You’ve always been creative. Deep down, you know you have a gift that must be shared with the world. But for too long, you’ve ignored it, yet like a pebble in your shoe, it is impossible to ignore.

Like Jonah running from his calling, you resisted. But not anymore. One night, you take a leap of faith. You open your laptop, the bright screen light shining on your face as your fingers hover over the keyboard. The words don’t come easily at first; they feel foreign, disjointed. The feeling is familiar. Doubt creeps in. What could I possibly have to say? But you push through, knowing that every writer, every creator, starts somewhere.

Excitement builds as you watch the words turn into a sentence. Sentences into paragraphs.

Reading self-help books has taught you how to live with greater awareness and purpose. This knowledge has transformed you, and you realise it’s not meant to stay locked inside—you have a responsibility to share it.

You don’t have all the answers, and you may not know exactly how to structure your thoughts, but you understand one truth: The only way to begin is to begin.

Your vision is clear. You want to create a community—a space where learning, creativity, and personal growth intersect. You believe that nursing is more than books, exams, and carrying out orders. It is about empowerment—helping individuals take an active role in their health, lives, and futures.

And with that, The Nursing Collective is born—a platform for nurses to share their stories beyond nursing school. A space created from the frustration of not finding accessible mentorship and a support network for the next generation of empowered nurses. Here, we uplift, educate, and inspire one another to redefine what it means to be a nurse.

If you’ve ever felt that nursing is more than just a job—that it’s a calling intertwined with creativity, growth, and impact—then this is your space.

Join us as we build a community of nurses who dare to dream beyond the bedside, embrace new possibilities, and shape the future of healthcare together.