Famous nurses in history
Throughout the history of medicine, there are many stand out figures. From penicillin to vaccines. Many individuals have made significant contributions to medical advancements. The contribution of nurses is often overlooked. In modern healthcare, nurses are underpaid and overworked. Without the work of nurses, medical advancements could not be made. For these contributions, these individuals became known as famous nurses.
We take a look at just some of the famous nurses who made an important contribution to an area of healthcare. In education or on the frontlines. Each contribution has changed healthcare for the better.
Florence Nightingale
Possibly the most famous nurse to the general public. In school, we are often taught about her contributions to war and medicine. Nursing education was a focus for Florence, who encouraged education among young women of her time.
Clara Barton
Clara was a teacher in the beginning. After that, she traded teaching in for bringing supplies to the battlefields during the Civil War. She organised relief programmed for soldiers and went on to become the founder of the American Red Cross.
Susie King Taylor
Susie became the first African-American U.S army nurse during the Civil War. In addition, she became an educator and nurse later in life. Susie faced much adversity and managed to overcome it and use it to improve the lives of others.
Dorothea Dix
During the Civil War. Dorothea dedicated herself to helping others, after being designated as them Superintendent of Army Nurses for the Union Army. While she may have been feared by some, she was very successful. During her life, she advocated for the mentally ill endlessly. Nursing education was important to Norther, she advocated for a more structured nursing program and training to ensure the safety of the patients.
The contribution of nurses
The Royal College of Nursing outlines how nursing staff work in every aspect of healthcare, in every setting and at every step of the way. Nurses spend more time with patients, getting to know them, treating them and helping them feel comfortable. Throughout history, they have been overlooked. The role of doctors does not work without the role of nursing to support it. From medication assistance, to a personalised care experience, nurses play a lot of roles for little recognition at times.
We know that nurses work incredibly hard, across all areas of healthcare, medical nurses, dental nurses, veterinary nurses and more. We want to show our appreciation and acknowledgement to the nursing profession.
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Sources
- https://www.pulseuniform.com/coffee-time/25-famous-nurses-past-to-present-wolrds-popular-nurse-professionals/
- https://www.rcn.org.uk/clinical-topics/public-health/the-role-of-nursing-staff-in-public-health#:~:text=Nursing%20staff%20work%20in%20almost,range%20of%20public%20health%20interventions.&text=It%20is%20accompanied%20guidance%20and,providers%20working%20in%20public%20health.
- https://absn.mercer.edu/blog/why-the-role-of-nurses-is-important-in-healthcare/
- https://www.truthaboutnursing.org/press/pioneers/dix.html#gsc.tab=0
- https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/dorothea-dix
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dorothea-Dix
