Florence

Florence Nightingale is often referred to as the mother of modern nursing. She was an innovator, a problem-solver, and a realist. She saw what needed to be done, and set about doing it. When she was done, she had taught an entirely new way to provide nursing care to patients. Her focus was on the basics, cleanliness, good nutrition, and discipline.

What most people don't know about Florence is that she was disabled by a chronic illness. She returned from the Crimean Wars devastated by typhoid fever. She never recovered. In fact, she spent the rest of her life almost entirely in her home in Britain. She changed the world from her bed and drawing room.

It is a lesson we can take to heart. Florence was priviledged and wealthy, able to rely upon family, friends, and servants to assist her through her illness. But in comparison, she has so much less than we do today. Without the benefit of the internet, phone service, or the television, she was able to develop and communicate an entirely new method for patient care. What changes can we bring to the world, strengthened by our connections and social media as a tool to share great ideas? Think of the Florence, living with illness, and her accomplishments, and know that greatness is not in the body, it is in the mind.