Role Model Reflection

Background

Florence Nightingale worked in England during periods when female nurses were scarce. As a child, she always cared for the ill, and as she grew, she believed God had chosen her to improve the health of the ailing people (Susan, 2007). While working for the British military, during the Caribbean war, she earned the title the “lady with a lamp.” This reflected of her commitment in her job even in harsh working conditions. Major reforms in nursing, especially nursing by female, have been profoundly attributed to her.

A role model

The clinical nurse who has acted as a role model is Florence Nightingale. Although her parents did not agree with her pursuing nursing as a career, she went ahead and did it. According to her, God had called her to his service, and nothing could stop her (Susan, 2007). This means that if one has a passion for nursing, he or she should just do as his or her heart directs. One should overcome all the barriers to achieve their dreams.

Nightingale hailed from a rich family, but this did not satisfy her. She was always concerned about people who were poor and ill (Susan, 2007). The poor could not afford to pay for medical bills. They languished in agony while their wealthy counterparts could even afford the luxury of home-treatment (Susan, 2007). Florence Nightingale had a passion to serve the less privileged in the society. As a nurse, one has to have compassion for the less privileged. One needs to spare resources (finances and time) to care for those who cannot afford medical care.

During Nightingale’s time, nurses did not receive any training and dealt mainly with odd jobs. Florence Nightingale felt a need for training before starting her job (Susan, 2007). In order to be an outstanding nurse, one needs to read and consult widely. This will be to ensure that the nurse has the vital skills plus knowledge on how to cope with patients.

Ever since her childhood, Florence kept records of everything that was happening around her. Even as a nurse, she excelled in graphical representation and statistics (Susan, 2007). The records acted as a reminder where the human mind cannot be relied. The records help in reducing errors.  As a good nurse, one needs to keep proper records in order to minimize errors. Errors in the medical field can be so serious or even fatal.

Nightingale was working in a harsh environment with unsophisticated equipment and a male-dominated field where people disregarded female nurses. She worked to improve conditions and used the available resources to do her job. Sometimes the work environment may not favor a medical practitioner. Poor or inadequate equipment, inconsiderate patients, poor management, and low wages are some of the challenges that nurse face while carrying out their duties. This should not dampen one’s spirit. They should learn to bear these and use their enthusiasm to achieve the best results Zemlicka & Debon, 2003).

Nightingale often worked into late night. She sacrificed her time to care for the sick. She did not entertain the thought of luxury at the expense of her patients. As nursing calls for sacrifice and commitment, one needs to use personal time to provide care to the sick.

Conclusion

Florence Nightingale is one of the most outstanding nurses that the world would ever have. Though long dead, her works still remain and can be witnessed the world round. She is a nurse that any other professional nurse should emulate.

References

Susan,  A. (2007). Florence Nightingale. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications Company

Zemlicka, S., & Debon, N. (2003). Florence Nightingale. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books.

 

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