Notes on Nursing
~ Florence Nightingale

Many would say that Nightingale's Notes on Nursing is a predictable selection for a dean of nursing. I choose it, however, for a number of reasons. First, this little book belonged to the founding dean of UF's College of Nursing, Dorothy Smith, and was given to me by senior faculty members shortly after I became dean. It includes Dean Smith's handwritten notes and underlining. I consider it a great compliment to be entrusted with this College treasure, and plan to pass it on to the dean who will follow me.

Nightingale's work was first published in 1859. It provides a window on the birth of nursing as a profession, and conveys beliefs and principles that form the foundation for nursing practice. Some of the text is outdated--quaint and amusing. Many of the recommendations, though, are timeless, and provide a source of inspiration for all nurses. As an educator, I have repeatedly turned to Nightingale's phrase in the Preface, "I do not pretend to teach her how, I ask her to teach herself, and for this purpose I venture to give her some hints." Except for the reference to nurses being only women, I find this phrase as relevant for teachers of nursing today as it was for those teachers in 1859.

photo by:
Dwight Bennett
HSC Libraries