The 12th May each
year is the International Nurses Day. The date chosen as it was the birthday of
the founder of modern-day nursing – Florence Nightingale. This year celebrated
the 200th anniversary of her birth. An anniversary that seems rather
poignant to remember at this time when we are all coping with life with the corona virus.
I wonder what she would make
of it all?
I think she would tip her cap
in admiration at all the medical staff and carers, up and down the length of
the land who have gone over and beyond the call of duty. We too tip our caps
each Thursday at 8pm as we clap in thanks for our carers.
It was a call from God that
encouraged Florence herself to embark on her journey into nursing – against
family approval. She felt that genuine religion should manifest in
active care and love for others. This she displayed in abundance.
She
was a strong force of reform in the care of soldiers fighting in the Crimea.
Stephen Paget asserts that
Florence reduced the death rate of soldiers from 42% to 2%, partially by
implementing hand-washing and other
hygiene practices in the war hospital in which she worked. Florence would be
first in line today to encourage us to continue with our hand-washing routines.
She
was also known as the Lady with the Lamp. This title stemmed from an article in
‘The Times’ which read:-
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.
Today there are many such men and women of the lamp
walking the corridors of our hospitals and care homes. May we give thanks to God daily
for their care, devotion, and sacrifice.
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