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Florence Nightingale was born in Florence, Italy, on May 12, 1820 to Frances and William Shore Nightingale.
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When Florence was 16, it was clear that nursing was her career and she believed it to be her divine purpose.
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On Febuary 7,1837, right before Nightingale turned 16, she wrote: “God spoke to me and called me to His service.”
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When Nightingale was 17, she refused a proposal, from Richard Monckton Milnes(shown in picture) , claiming she wouldn't be able to follow her dream or be satisfied if she married him.
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Despite her parents objections, she was determined to become a nurse and in 1844, enrolled in Lutheran Hospital of pastor Fliedner, in Kaisersworth, Germany (shown left), as a student.
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In the early 1850's, Nightingale returned to London, where she took a job at a hospital for ailing governesses.
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In October of 1853, the Crimean War broke out. By 1854, at least than 18,000 soldiers had been admitted into hospitals.
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In late 1854, Florence was asked to assemble a team of nurses to go to a war hospital, which she did as quickly as she could.
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In 1857, Florence returned home and to her surprise she was met with a hero's welcome which the humble nurse tried to avoid.
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In 1860, Florence established St. Thomas's Hospital(shown) and Nightingale's Training School for nurses.
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Florence died on August 13, 1910, at 2pm, at her home in London, United Kingdom, at age 90.
