Florence Nightingale, also known as the “Lady with the Lamp,” was considered the mother of modern nursing. She was best known for her efforts to treat wounded British soldiers in Turkey during the Crimean War, often at nighttime while carrying her lamp. According to Britannica, “Her efforts to formalize nursing education led her to establish the first scientifically based nursing school – the Nightingale, at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London (opened 1860). She also was instrumental in setting up training for midwives and nurses in workhouse infirmaries.” International Nurses Day is celebrated each year on her birthday. This year, Florence Nightingale would be 200 years old and thus, the World Health Organization (WHO), announced in 2019, that 2020 would be designated the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife.
The role of nurses has never been as vital in modern history as they are now during this current global pandemic. Nurses are on the frontlines in an actual war against a virus by which they have become casualties of as well. Yet, these selfless heroes continue to deliver care to their patients despite the risks they face. This is the compassion and devotion to a career that attracts ordinary human beings with caring hearts and elevates them to the status of super-heroes.
Join us in saluting our healthcare heroes! Primary Medical Care Center & Urgent Care Clinic recognizes and thanks all nurses and midwives for the essential role you play in keeping us all safe and healthy and for devoting your lives for the care of others.
Sources: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Florence-Nightingale
https://www.who.int/news-room/campaigns/year-of-the-nurse-and-the-midwife-2020