By Melanie Linn Gutowski

Considered the philosophical founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale not only made the world a better place for wounded soldiers, but also for women all over the world. But she nearly didn't get the chance to share her talents with the rest of us.

Born into a wealthy family in 1820, Nightingale wasn’t expected to enter into a profession. Her parents considered nursing especially inappropriate for her and would not allow her to train; she was expected to marry and live a traditional upper-class Victorian life.

Nightingale eventually convinced her parents that she was meant to go into nursing, and in 1851 she spent three months in Kaiserwerth, Germany for nursing training.

Three years later, the Crimean War broke out and British newspapers described the severe lack of decent medical facilities for the country's army. Nightingale was asked by the British war minister to oversee a team of nurses in Turkey.

It was during this war that Nightingale's heroics became legendary. Dubbed 'the lady with the lamp,' she became known for her dedication and efficiency, especially during midnight rounds to tend the wounded.

After returning to England, she founded the Nightingale Training School for nurses in London and sent her pupils around the world to care for patients and to teach others her nursing methods.

In 1860, she published “Notes on Nursing,”a hugely influential text addressing issues like sanitation, military health and hospital planning.  Many of her principles are still in use in hospitals around the world today.

Nightingale was truly a pioneer of her time, both in her profession and in her sex - she was one of the first women to achieve notoriety for her ability rather than her beauty, wealth, advantageous marriage or high birth.

Florence Nightingale paved the way for nurses, mothers and aunties everywhere to care for the sick and wounded.  Her ability to provide care seemingly tirelessly to those she did not even know is an inspiration to aunties worldwide.

Photo: Wikipedia

Melanie Linn Gutowski is a freelance writer and a proud Godmother.