FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE, FEMINISM AND NURSING

Three key aspects of Florence Nightingale's remarkable life are examin ed. First, the influences during her formative years: the education an d guidance provided by her father, the resistance by her family when s he decided to become a nurse; and the rejection by Nightingale of the societal expectations of a woman in the Victorian era, Secondly, her p rofessional life is examined, in particular how she appears to have be en viewed by certain members of society, and how in turn she viewed th em, It is anticipated that her position as an early feminist will be p ostulated and illuminated. Thirdly, an analysis of her personal and pr ofessional life indicates a way forward for the nursing profession.