The influence of Florence Nightingale on modern nursing, public health, and statistics are undeniably immense. Her contribution during the Crimean war resulted in the reduction of mortality rates among soldiers by two-thirds because of her introduction of preventive measures (HISTORY). These measures imply the provision of “clean clothes and beds, appropriate food, sufficient space for each bed and space between beds” (Peličić 88). The work of Nightingale as a statistician aimed at the resolution of possible epidemics within hospitals and made a significant contribution to the development of hospital statistics. Her legacy accounts for the pledge for nurses and 200 books (Peličić 88). Her initial books were dedicated to caring, hygiene, nutrition, and pediatrics (Peličić 88). In addition, she opened the nursing school at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London in order to introduce the professional nursery into the field (Peličić 88). As a result, she was able to provide trained nurses to take care of the endangered social layers in the ambulance offices of correction homes. This demonstrates her influence and importance in the improvement of the healthcare sector.
The pledge of Florence Nightingale consists of four main clauses, which I consider as valuable foundations for professional ethics in the nursery. They are abstinence from administering and utilization of harmful substances, maintenance of high professional standards, and loyalty to her role as a physician’s aide coupled with devotion to human welfare (Peličić 88). The professional dedication and attitude towards nursery work established by Nightingale are remarkable. Simultaneously, it sets ethical boundaries for the nursing profession, reassuring the quality of medical services provided and the image of nurses outside of the workspace. The latter can be seen in the line, “I will abstain myself from whatever is deleterious and mischievous.” Furthermore, she attributed the essential component of medical practice that is patient’s confidentiality the promise to not spread any information about the patient and his or her family. I would like to adhere to the ethical standards set by Florence Nightingale in my own practice and to demonstrate the same level of patient-centered care.
Works Cited
HISTORY (YouTube Channel). “Florence Nightingale: Changing the Field of Nursing – Fast Facts | History.”YouTube, 2016.
Peličić, Damir. “Foundations of the aspect of health care and two hundred years since the birth of Florence Nightingale 1820-1910.” Zdravstvena zaštita 49.4 (2020): 83-90.