NAME: Florence Nightingale

BORN/DIED: 12th May 1820 – 13th August 1913

JOB: Nurse

KEY FACTS: Florence was born into a wealthy family and received a good education. She wanted to help other people so decided to train to be a nurse. At the time, this was not thought to a suitable profession for a well educated woman. When the Crimean War broke out in 1854 Florence helped to care for wounded soldiers. She helped to give nursing a favourable reputation and gained the nickname ‘the lady with the light’.

ACHIEVEMENTS: She is known as the founder of modern nursing and established a nursing school at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. The Florence Nightingale Medal, the highest international distinction a nurse can achieve, was named in her honour and the annual International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world on her birthday.