Nightingale was put in charge of nursing British and allied soldiers in Turkey during the Crimean War. She spent many hours in the wards (alongside other nurses and caretakers) and her night rounds giving personal care to the wounded established her image as the “Lady with the Lamp.”
Her efforts to formalize nursing education led her to establish the first scientifically based nursing school—the Nightingale School of Nursing, at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London (opened in 1860). She was also instrumental in setting up training for midwives and nurses in workhouse infirmaries, and was the first woman awarded the Order of Merit in 1907.
According to the Australian College of Nursing, nurses make up the largest segment of the health workforce, with approximately 467,000 nurses in Australia.
Fight Parkinson’s would like to recognise the dedication and expertise of all nurses across the country, who are essential to the wellbeing of our communities everywhere.
Whether you are a nurse who cares for someone with a movement disorder, a midwife, or any other equally as valuable and dedicated nurse, we thank you for upholding everyone’s right to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health, through a shared commitment to providing collaborative, culturally safe, people-centred care and services.
If you are a nurse looking to upskill or are interested in learning more about caring for people who live with Parkinson’s, please visit the Fight Parkinson’s Health Professionals Learning Hub.
Here you will find numerous online courses which provide training that enhances the skills and capabilities of a wide range of healthcare professionals dedicated to supporting people living with Parkinson’s, including:
- Parkinson’s care for PCA’s
- Parkinson’s care for RN’s
- Advanced & Palliative Care for Parkinson’s, and more.
