Florence Nightingale is known as the founder of modern nursing and her contributions to the nursing profession have had a profound impact on healthcare in the United States and around the world. Nightingale’s pioneering work as a nurse during the Crimean War in the 1850s transformed nursing from a low-status job into a respected profession. Her emphasis on sanitation and hygiene also helped to reduce the spread of disease and infections in hospitals.

• Nightingale is often referred to as the “Lady with the Lamp” because of her habit of making nightly rounds to check on the wounded soldiers in the hospital. She believed that nursing was not just about providing physical care to patients, but also about attending to their emotional and spiritual needs.
• In the United States, Nightingale’s influence on nursing has been profound. Many nursing schools and hospitals in the US have been named after her, and her principles of nursing care continue to shape the profession today.
• Nursing in the US is a highly regulated profession, and nurses must obtain a license to practice in each state where they plan to work. To become a registered nurse (RN) in the US, individuals must complete an accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX-RN is a standardized exam that assesses a nurse’s knowledge and competency in a variety of areas, including nursing practice, patient care, and professional standards.
• In addition to completing nursing school and passing the NCLEX-RN, nurses in the US must also meet other requirements, such as obtaining CPR certification and undergoing a criminal background check. Nurses must also keep their licenses current by completing continuing education courses and meeting other state-specific requirements.
• The nursing profession in the US is diverse and offers a wide range of career paths. Nurses may work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, or other settings. They may specialize in a particular area of nursing, such as pediatrics, oncology, or emergency care. Advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists, may also have prescriptive authority and may work independently or as part of a healthcare team.
• In conclusion, Florence Nightingale’s contributions to the nursing profession have had a lasting impact on healthcare in the United States and around the world. Her emphasis on sanitation and hygiene, as well as her holistic approach to nursing care, continue to shape the profession today. Nursing in the US is a highly regulated profession that requires individuals to complete rigorous education and licensing requirements. The nursing profession offers a wide range of career paths and opportunities for growth and advancement.