Florence Nightingale was born in 1820 into a wealthy family in Great Britain. She attended many social functions, such as balls and dinners as she was growing up. Girls of her class were expected to get married, have children, and dedicate all their time to raising their children and taking care of the house. Florence had other plans.
Florence felt that she could be more helpful to society by becoming a nurse. This was a horrendous surprise to her family because hospitals back then were so dirty and nurses were not considered to be upholding citizens. While her parents argue with her about her decision, she was determined to become a nurse.
In 1851, she traveled to Germany with her parents for a visit. She talked them into letting her study at the Institutes of Protestant Deaconnesses at Kaiserwerth. She did this and later was asked to supervise nurses who were assisting doctors at a Barracks Hospital in Turkey during time of battle.
Doctors didn't like Florence being there and never offered any help to her. This didn't stop her. She helped treat over twelve thousand patients even though the hospital lacked supplies.
During this time, Florence was sick with many illnesses herself because she was working so closely with sick people. She was nearly killed by a fever, and she even lost her hair because of it.
Once the war was over, people gave much credit to Florence Nightingale for all her hard work. Nurses are no longer considered untrained, low-class citizens. Florence was an unforgettable example of a model nurse with her compassion and her determination.
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