Nurses—Making a Difference in Global Health
Florence Nightingale's Relevance for Today
The name of Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) has
been revered and respected —across the world —
for more than a century. Even today, her contributions to
nursing theory, education, practice, research, statistics, public health, and
healthcare reform are foundational and inspirational. And, her contributions to
human health still continue to be revealed.
The name of Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) has been revered and respected
—across the world —
for more than a century. Even today, her contributions to
nursing theory, education, practice, research, statistics, public health, and
healthcare reform are foundational and inspirational. And, her contributions to
human health still continue to be revealed. |
Award-winning BBC drama - Florence Nightingale DVD now available!
Florence Nightingale
Museum opens!
The Influence of Florence NIghtingale in Japan
Hear a
historical recording, conducted by Thomas Edison's assistant in London,
Col. George Gouraud, at Nightingale's home on 30 July 1890. |
Nightingale was a consummate health policy advocate who influenced the
world's political
leaders of her time. She was an ardent environmentalist who
changed conditions that caused disease. She was a global networker who
corresponded with thousands of people around the world about furthering and
promoting health issues.
She was an effective communications and media expert who impacted upon public
awareness to change how people understood and valued health in her time. She
knew the critical importance of self care and renewal.
“You must inform public
opinion…” Florence Nightingale, 1893
From her own deep and prolonged experience with personal health issues, she
advocated for all nurses to be continually renewed to sustain their effective,
compassionate and caring practices. She called all these approaches “Health
Nursing.”
Today, in our 21st century ‘global village,’ these broader insights
from Nightingale can become innovative approaches developed by nurses who seek to impact and
influence the factors which will determine and sustain the health of humanity in
our time.
“When I am no longer even a memory, just a name, I hope my voice
perpetuates the great work of my life. God bless my dear old comrades of
Balaclava and bring them safe to shore.”
- Florence Nightingale