Written by: Sarjan Waiba Tamang - 24009, Grade X
Posted on: 26 January, 2022
“Live life when you have it. Life is a splendid gift-there is nothing small about it.” This quote was said by the greatest nurse of all time; Florence Nightingale, known as “Lady with the Lamp”. In short she helped to improve the standard and prestige of the nursing profession. She is also considered to be the founder of modern nursing.
She was born in 1820 in a wealthy family and she had always wanted to be a nurse. But her parents opposed her goal. At that time nursing was not seen as a respectful and attractive profession. Despite her parents' disapproval she became a nurse. In 1853 the Crimera war broke out. This bloody conflict led to many casualties on both sides. In that war It was noted that the basic wounded soldiers were dying unnecessarily. Later on Florence and her old friend Sydney Herbert travelled to Crimea to organise a group of nurses. Florence started to run the campaign and started tutoring about nursing. She also trained the other nurses. She was helped in using nurses by Elizabeth Fry’s school of nurses. Her base was in the staffed hospital at Scutari. There were insufficient beds, food and the place was dirty. In the beginning of nursing, nurses were not even allowed to treat others, only instructed to clean the hospital.
But in the chaotic condition and the overwhelming casualties, the doctor took the help of Florence and her team of nurses. Florence's effort and her attitude which included strict discipline for her other nurses who wore a visible uniform were greatly appreciated by the wounded soldiers. The positive news report also came back home. During her time in the Crimea, she was recognized as “The Lady with the Lamp”. By the time she returned home, she had become a national heroine and was decorated with numerous awards which included one from Queen Victoria. After the war she didn't appreciate the fame but she started to work for the improvement of the hospitals.
With the help of donations to the Nightingale Fund, she was able to start a training school for nurses at St Thomas Hospital, London. In 1853 she also wrote a note on nursing. Her writings and examples were highly influential in the direction of nursing in the Nineteenth Century. In 1910 august 13 she said goodbye to this world.
