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According to Mrs. J. Lewis (2007) Florence Nightingale (1820- 1910) or the lady with the lamp is considered to be the founder of professional training for nurses. She was also was known for her work as a nurse and for helping others who were ill. Basically, she became a nurse, after believing she was called by God to help others. Luckily, she took a chance and became a nurse, during a time when women weren't socially accepted a nurses.

Soon, she began focusing her efforts on the building an administration and creating adequate training for nurses. However, through the years, many other women have also worked hard, in order to bring the profession of nursing to future generations. One of these well known nurses is "Clara Barton", who
actually "founded the American Red Cross" (About.com, 2007), so she can help people that need a helping hand.

Another well-known nurse is "Helen Fairchild" (About.com, 2007), who was a practicing nurse in Europe that is believed to have died due to poisonous gas used by the Nazi's in WWI. Plus, "Harriet Tubman" (About.com, 2007) is an African-American woman, who became famous for helping and caring for sick slaves. "Margret Sanger" (About. com, 2007), is a nurse that was known for her work in creating birth control for womeneven though it was illegal.

No matter what field in nursing that someone chooses, they are bound to learn about the accomplishments of these courageous women. But, throughout the decades, the profession of nursing has evolved into a respected field, which has become attractive for both men and women. Many different organizations have been developed over the years, in order to help nurses acquire the skills that they will need to succeed.

Thankfully, all nurses must be trained and certified, before being allowed to help patients or doctors that need them. Since, the days of Florence Nightingale, nursing has changed tremendously and still changing every day. As these changes begin to take effect, qualified nurses have become a vital asset to the patient's health care team. Now, there is a long list of many certified nurses, who have touched a patient's lives and have changed the face of health careas we know it!

References:

About.com (2007) Nurses and Nursing
Retrieve from the World Wide Web on June 29, 2007
http://womenshistory.about.com /od/nursesandnursing/Nurses_an d_Nursing.htm

Lewis J. (2007) Florence Nightingale
Retrieved from the World Wide Web on June 29, 2007
http://womenshistory.about.com /od/nightingale/p/nightingale. htm

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