During Women’s History Month, I chose to learn about Florence Nightingale. She changed history with her compassion and courage, and she inspired me to become a nurse. As a junior in high school, I am beginning to think about my future, and her story inspired me and made me even more interested in the medical field.
Florence believed she had a calling to serve in 1897 when she had just turned 16 years old, and then decided to pursue nursing in 1844. Florence was still determined to become a nurse despite objections from her family and friends. She trained at Kaiserwerth Deaconesses’ Institute in Germany in 1850.
They refer to Florence often as “The Lady with the Lamp.” During the Crimean War in 1854, she carried a lantern because she would walk miles through the dark to check on wounded soldiers, making sure they were safe, clean, and cared for. At a time when hospitals were unsanitary and dangerous, she brought light and hope into people’s lives. Her dedication reminds me that being a nurse is not just a job, but it’s caring for others, no matter the circumstances.
She also changed history by creating the foundation of modern hygiene and evidence-based care. By using data and observation, she proved that cleanliness could save lives. She established the Nightingale Training School for nurses in 1860, using statistical analysis, data, and visualization to improve healthcare.
The nursing School Florence Nightingale established in London.
Because of her work, hospitals became safer, and patient care improved everywhere. Her influence continues today through the Nightingale Pledge, which nurses take as a promise to provide ethical and compassionate care, and through International Nurses Day, celebrated on her birthday, May 12.
Florence Nightingale’s hard work and compassion show in every nurse who puts their patients first. She inspired me to be strong, caring, and dedicated. I hope to treat my patients the same as she did, and I will carry what I learned from her in the future.