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!
