It’s that time of year again where we can celebrate the amazing women who made history and whose dedication, passion and hard work helped make our world a better place, and who continue to inspire young women today to get out there and follow their dreams!
One of those incredible women was Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of Nursing.
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Florence was born in... you might have guessed it! Florence, Italy on May 12, 1820.
She grew up in a rich family with everything she could ever want. Girls at that time did not go to school. Once they were grown up, they would get married and take care of the home and children. But Florence wanted something different. She wanted to care for the sick. Her parents did not agree with her plans because nursing back then was seen as a dirty job, and hospitals were places where people came to die. Regardless, she convinced her parents and they agreed to send her to school in Germany to learn how to be a nurse.
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Around that same time, The Crimean War broke out (France, Britain, and Turkey vs Russia). Florence Nightingale was called upon to help soldiers who were sick and dying. When she arrived, she was shocked to find the hospital there in a terrible state- the hospital was dirty, overcrowded, drains were blocked, toilets were broken, and worst of all-RATS EVERYWHERE!
Her and her nurses cleaned, fed and cared for the soldiers and slowly noticed that they were not dying and were getting better. Way to go FLo!!! After the war ended, she continued to fight for cleaner hospitals and caring for people.
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She was known as “The Lady of The Lamp” because when she would check on the soldiers at night, she would always carry a lantern with her.
Florence was the first woman ever to receive the Order of Merit award by Queen Victoria herself for helping to save thousands of lives.
Sadly, Florence died on August 13, 1910.
Thanks to her dedication and passion, nursing became one of the most respected careers of our time.
Florence is a true hero for all nurses and women today!
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Click on the link below for a FREE Florence Nightingale coloring page!!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1igBjxPnUlmtLIpSTgLp2_7GQtb9zfLe2NJ_9imSKHIg/edit?usp=sharing
