Florence Nightingale (1820-1910)
Florence Nightingale led public health and nursing reforms in the mid 1800's. Born to a privileged family, she was persuaded to enter nursing by Samuel and Julia Ward Howe in 1845. In 1854 she was given command of a team of nurses to treat soldiers of the Crimean War and after two years of service she began the difficult task of documenting the health care offered by the British army at home and abroad. She established the Nightingale School of Nurses in 1860 and worked to raise the status and pay of nurses, thereby contributing to the recognition of women's rights and the role of women in society.
Additional Information Can Be Found At...
Nightingale, Florence, an Encarta Encyclopedia Article
Country Joe McDonald's Florence Nightingale Tribute
English Historical Review: Florence Nightingale: Avenging Angel
Florence Nightingale: "Handmaiden of the Lord"