Florence Nightingale: A life for care in Spotlight!

Florence Nightingale: A life for care in Spotlight!

On May 12, 2025, the international day of nursing is celebrated worldwide, which is due to Florence Nightingale's birthday. Nightingale, born on May 12, 1820, is known as a pioneer of modern nursing and has initiated fundamental changes in nursing practice and training. Their revolutionary approaches led to a significant reduction in the mortality rates through the introduction of hygiene standards and organizational improvements that still have an impact. that on this day nurses in institutions such as the St. Marien Hospital and the St. Ludgerus-Haus are invited to special coffee lessons to appreciate their important work.

Florence Nightingale is not only known for her achievements during the Crimean War, where she improved the sanitary conditions in hospitals, but also founded the Nightingale School of Nursing at the London St. Thomas ’Hospital in 1860. This school established care as a recognized apprenticeship, which conveyed theoretical and practical foundations. Your writings, in particular the standard work "Notes of Nursing", have a significant impact on nursing practice. Diakonie Hessen explains that Nightingale also stimulated a far-reaching health reform, the effects of which can still be felt today.

challenges in the health system

The international day of nursing is not only an occasion for the celebration, but also a platform to address necessary changes in the health system. In many countries, the health system is under immense pressure, and basic reforms are essential. Nurses play a crucial role in ensuring health care, and their working conditions urgently need to be improved. wikipedia emphasizes that care is more than just a calling; It is an indispensable and professional service profession that has been continuously developed in recent decades. In the current situation, it is more important than ever to hear and take into account the voice of the nursing staff.

The history of nursing goes back to the earliest societies and shows the continuous development of the nursing profession. With the establishment of professional schools such as that of Nightingale, the care has developed from a often volunteer and sporadically performed service towards a legally recognized professional field, which is a significant change. Nursing history, which has often been neglected in the past, has become increasingly important in recent years.

Florence Nightingale and their heir

In memory of Nightingale and the development of care, it is important to also honor the challenges that nursing staff are confronted with these days. The professionalization of care has made great progress in recent decades, but the path remains challenging. Florence Nightingale died on August 13, 1910 at the age of 90, but her legacy lives on. Their commitment and vision for care have not only changed their practical areas, but also raised public awareness of the importance of nursing professions.

The international day of nursing is therefore an important reason to celebrate progress and at the same time to point out the existing challenges. Florence Nightingale remains a bright example of selflessness and professionalism in the service of humanity.