Today is International Nurses Day – and in the midst of a global pandemic, there has never been a better opportunity to show appreciation for those working on the frontline of COVID-19 to keep us healthy and safe.
Much of the world has been locked down due to coronavirus, with the majority of us staying indoors to avoid the risk of infection. However, that hasn’t stopped residents from emerging on their balconies to applaud the healthcare workers fighting against COVID-19.
These doctors and nurses have become modern day heroes in the last four months, but the selfless and admirable work of these healthcare workers – and nurses, in particular – has been going on for centuries.
Speaking of inspiring women, hear Sandra Sully speak about the importance of using your voice below:
Here are three badass nurses from history we definitely need to embrace and appreciate this International Nurses Day:
Florence Nightingale
International Nurses Day takes place each year on May 12th, which is the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. In 1856, Nightingale was horrified at the conditions of the British military hospital in Turkey. She used her statistical skills to introduce new guidelines on recording sickness and death. She discovered how unsanitary conditions could lead to deaths, and used her badass communication skills to encourage British parliament to make lasting changes. These standards are now used worldwide to record diseases.
Dorothea Dix
As well as taking care of our physical health, nurses have been at the forefront of mental health for many years as well. Dorothea Dix, born in 1802, was originally a teacher – and even ran a private school in New England. However, she began volunteering for the Union Army during the Civil War and managed over 6,000 fellow nurses caring for wounded soldiers in military hospitals. Afterwards, she began advocating for better treatment and care of patients suffering from mental illnesses and helped to found 32 institutions in the US dedicated to such care.
Clarissa Barton
Like Dorothea Dix, Clarissa Barton – born in 1821 – began as a teacher before pursuing a career in nursing. She also volunteered during the Civil War, and her efforts on the frontline earned her the nickname ‘Angel of Battlefield.’ She later went on to help locate missing Civil War veterans and advocate for their benefits. In 1881, she founded the American Red Cross relief organisation.
Mary Eliza Mahoney
This International Nurses Day, we’re also appreciating Mary Eliza Mahoney, born in 1845, one of four students who graduated from the New England Hospital for Women and Children nursing school. She was also the first African-American woman to become a registered nurse, and according to Nursebuff.com, became an inspiration in loosening policies against the isolation of black nursing students. In 1908, Mahoney founded the National Association of Coloured Graduate Nurses which was later dissolved and combined with the American Nurses Association that still stands today.
So, there you have it. Nurses have, and always will be, incredibly inspiring members of society. To all the nurses out there this International Nurses Day – past and present – we appreciate you.
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