Florence Nightingale, Nursing as Service
- a new booklet by a TOS member

Everyone knows of Florence Nightingale, the English nurse, writer and statistician (1820-1910) who did so much to establish the modern nursing profession that she is considered the ‘first nurse’. Few of us, however, have thought of exploring her life in connection with service and the selfless attitude needed on the spiritual path.

Three years ago, María Rosa Martínez, a member of the TOS in San Rafael, Argentina, decided to write a booklet about ‘The Lady of the Lamp’, focusing on the ideal of service in her life. The printing of the booklet, entitled Florence Nightingale, Nursing as Service, was funded by the Annie Besant branch of the TS. At the end of the text, Annie Besant’s life as an example of service is referred to and the fact that she founded the Theosophical Order of Service is mentioned.

Maria Rosa makes a short PowerPoint presentation to staff in those hospitals around San Rafael that are interested. She also talks to trainee nurses during their graduation ceremony, highlighting the theme of service and referring to the lives of Florence Nightingale and Annie Besant. The booklet, which summarises the presentation, is given to the nurses as a gift.  Its back cover text says:

Abridgement for nurses, in the hope that they find in its pages inspiration for being better human beings and for discovering within, the selfless spirit of Service needed to be better nurses.

María Rosa Martínez