Florence Nightingale was a statistician and a trailblazing figure in nursing, who was instrumental in reforming 19th and 20th century polices on medical care. She was put in charge of nursing British and allied soldiers in Turkey during the Crimean War. Nightingale’s many hours in the wards and night rounds caring for the wounded established her image as the ‘Lady with the Lamp.’

Her efforts to formalise nursing education led to the establishment of the first scientifically based nursing school, the Nightingale School of Nursing, at St Thomas’ Hospital in London (1860). She was also instrumental in setting up training for midwives and nurses in workhouse infirmaries. She was the first woman awarded the Order of Merit (1907).

International Nurses’ Day, observed annually on 12 May, commemorates her birth and celebrates the important role of nurses in health care around the globe.

Authorised by B.Holmes. General Secretary, NSWNMA

Florence Nightingale (12 MAY 1820 – 13 AUGUST 1910)

and midwives

Celebrating historical nurses

“ I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.”

“ I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.”

“ I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.”