Florence Nightingale's book - Nursing: what it is and what is not.

[londonflo]

When I went to Oxford,England I was thrilled to hold a first edition of the UK printing of  Florence Nightingale's book in my hands - Nursing. What it is and What it is Not. I had read paperback copies and always had one to loan. Her central theory is to "put the patient in the best position for nature to act upon them" meaning good nutrition, sleep, caregivers showing interest in them and the world around them,  mobility etc Then the age of  insurance dictated LOS and extreme antibiotics to ensure the patient shows progress and out they go. 

. Earlier this year someone contacted me to sell  a US first edition of "Nursing: What it is What it is not". Purchase made and the book is in my bookcase that holds the 1860 Staffordshire figures of FN which were  originally displayed on Victorian  mantelpieces along with figurines of other notable persons. { picture below} Florence Nightingale was the most respected figure in Britain. 

Ler's celebrate her ideas, spirit, and actions to improve the patient's experience. Her birthday is  coming up May 12.

 

 

[SmilingBluEyes]

She was respected. We are told we are the world's most "trusted" profession. I see little respect, however, for nurses. From patients or supervision. Florence had a different vision, for sure, of what nursing "should be" versus what it really is, today.

[londonflo]

SmilingBluEyes  You are so right. I gave my lecture at Oxford University with great aplomb. 

Then returned to my teaching position, but found little respect etc. I do have to say my Dean was very good about finding coverage for me when I gave presentions.