International Nurses Day - May 12th
International Nurses Day is celebrated every year on May 12th on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing and a real-life super-woman. The day is a tribute to the contribution of all nurses to our society and their unwavering dedication to their profession.
Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale was born on May 12, 1820, in Florence, Italy. She was the daughter of wealthy British parents and was raised in a privileged environment. However, at an early age, Florence was drawn to the field of nursing and decided to pursue it as her profession. She received formal training in nursing and became a nurse at the age of 24.
"Lady with the Lamp" - Crimean War
During the Crimean War, Florence Nightingale was appointed to lead a team of nurses to care for wounded soldiers. Her team worked under harsh conditions and faced many challenges, but their dedication and commitment to their patients helped to transform the image of nursing from a menial job to a noble profession. She earned the nickname "the lady with the lamp" for her work caring for wounded soldiers during the war.
Later in life, Florence helped to advise the US military on battlefield treatment procedures during the US civil war.
Nightingale Oath - US Nurses
Nurses in the United States take an oath of ethics during their pinning ceremony named after Nightingale.
The oath is generally a modified version of the following:
"I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly to pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully.
I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug.
I will 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.
With loyalty will I aid the physician in his work, and as a missioner of health, I will dedicate myself to devoted service for human welfare" - ANA Pledge
Nightingale and Statistics
Unbelievably, nursing was not Florence's only contribution to global scientific advancement. She was also an accomplished mathematician who pioneered showing statistical data in graphical formats. She used today what we would call histograms and pie charts to show the mortality statistics she observed and recorded on the Crimean war to justify the additional resources she needed to help save soldiers.
She also conducted surveys for the British government on the human sanitation conditions in India that are credited with extending the life expectancy of Indian citizens by 20 years after her recommendations to mandate the removal of sewage from the cities were performed.
Amazing!
Thank You Nurses!
Every May 12th take the time to thank all the wonderful nurses in your life.
All nurses are real life superheroes in our communities and deserve our thanks and gratitude.
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