“She is a ‘ministering angel’ without any exaggeration in these hospitals, and as her slender form glides quietly along each corridor, every poor fellow's face softens with gratitude at the sight of her. When all the medical officers have retired for the night and silence and darkness have settled down upon those miles of prostrate sick, she may be observed alone, with a little lamp in her hand, making her solitary rounds.¹”

Florence Nightingale, born on May 12, 1820 in Florence, Italy, is widely known for being the pioneer of modern nursing.  Referred to as the “Lady with the Lamp,” from her time in the Crimean War, Florence, along with her team of nurses, worked to improve the sanitary conditions at a British base hospital.  Her work greatly reduced the death count of soldiers being treated at that hospital².

Queen Victoria recognized Nightingale’s work by granting her a brooch and a prize of $250,000 from the British Government.  She used the money to fund the establishment of St. Thomas’ Hospital along with the Nightingale School for Nurses.  She went on to be an advocate for healthcare reform, publishing notes and reports that helped to shape the healthcare field².

National Nurses Week was first observed in 1954, on the 100^th anniversary of Florence’s mission to Crimea.  While originally celebrated in October, in 1982 the official date was moved to May 6.  Then, in 1990, the day expanded to a week, with the last day of Nurses week falling on Florence’s birthday, May 12^{th 3}.

Every single person who has experienced the incredible care that nurses provide owes a debt of gratitude to Florence Nightingale’s tireless work.  Additionally, every single person who has ever been attended to by a nurse owes a debt of gratitude to all nurses.  A week doesn’t seem like enough to thank those caregivers who care for us when we are at our worst.

Florence’s groundbreaking work showed the importance of putting caring into the nursing field, and it is that philosophy that was picked up and expanded on by other intellectuals, like Jean Watson.  We believe strongly in the caring sciences and owe a lot to Florence and her work.

Stat Staff wishes everyone a Happy Nurses Week.

And remember, thank every single nurse you know.  We know we do.