Teacher Notes

About Florence Nightingale

Examples of Florence Nightingale’s influence:

• In 1857 The Sepoy Rebellion in India called her attention to sanitation problems in India and she began a life-long project to improve public health.


• In 1860 she published a small booklet titled "Notes on Nursing." It was very popular. It was expanded and published again later that year and in 1861 with the addition of a special section on taking care of babies. This book sold millions all over the world: the only "wage" she ever earned in her life was her royalties from this book.


• In 1860 June 24, The Nightingale Training School for nurses opened at St. Thomas’ Hospital. Florence Nightingale paid very close attention to every detail from her flat in London. The school was a success. She was one of the founders of modern nursing, as we know it today, and created a new image of female nurses as a professional class.