The Lamp

A Tribute to Florence Nightingale

               *
              *|*
             * | *
            *  |  *
           .--'|'--.
          /    |    \
         |     |     |
         |     |     |
          \   |   /
           '--|--'
              |
           .--|--.
          |   |   |
          |   |   |
          '---+---'
              |
           .--+--.
          /       \
         |         |
          \_______/
Today Life Legacy Statistics Principles Quotes Pledge About

Today's Light

"The world is put back by the death of every one who has to sacrifice the development of his or her peculiar gifts to conventionality."
— Florence Nightingale

The Lady with the Lamp

Florence Nightingale (May 12, 1820 – August 13, 1910) was the founder of modern nursing. During the Crimean War, she became famous as "The Lady with the Lamp" for her nightly rounds of the wards at the Scutari Barrack Hospital, checking on wounded soldiers.

A London Times correspondent wrote: "She is a 'ministering angel' without any exaggeration in these hospitals, and as her slender form glides quietly along each corridor, every poor fellow's face softens with gratitude at the sight of her. When all the medical officers have retired for the night and silence and darkness have settled down upon those miles of prostrate sick, she may be observed alone, with a little lamp in her hand, making her solitary rounds."

206
Years Since Birth
90
Years of Life
38
Nurses at Scutari
1860
Nursing School Founded

Why May 12?

International Nurses Day is observed around the world on May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has celebrated this day since 1965. Each year, the ICN produces an International Nurses Day Kit with educational materials for nurses everywhere.

This is the 206 anniversary of her birth, and a time to honor the millions of nurses worldwide who continue her legacy of compassionate care.