Fun Facts About Nursing

Fun Facts About Nursing Power Personnel

If you are a practicing nurse, nursing student, or a person interested in the field, you certainly understand that it is one of the essential jobs in the world. Nurses are knowledgeable about many things and possess considerable skills. However, there are some facts about the nursing profession you might not know.

Enjoy these fun facts about nursing!

Florence Nightingale Started It All

The founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale lived from 1820 to 1910. She was born in Italy and raised in England. She established the first scientifically-based nursing school in 1860 called the Nightingale School of Nursing at St. Thomas hospital in London.

The Symbol for Nursing is a Lamp

Florence Nightingale carried a lamp with her at night when she made rounds tending the wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. She was identified as the “lady with the lamp.” Florence Nightingale made the white nursing cap. She used it to hold her back, becoming synonymous with nursing.

Nursing Caps are Saved for Ceremonies

The nursing cap invented by Florence Nightingale is usually only worn during ceremonies now. Nurses typically wear a hat during graduation ceremonies for new nurses to symbolize their entry into the nursing profession. However, now, the caps are no longer worn due to the collection of microbes which make them unsanitary.

Nurses Log 4-5 Miles Per 12-Hour Shift

A recent study says that 4 to 5 miles are the distance nurses travel in one 12-hour work shift. As a comparison, the average adult walks 2.5 to 3 miles per 18-hour day. Nursing is a very physical job.

It’s the Most Trustworthy Profession

Nursing is one of the most ethical and trustworthy professions. In 2020, voters ranked nursing as the most trustworthy profession for the 18th year straight! Nursing beat out doctors, police officers, firefighters, teachers and clergy.

Linda Richards Earned the First Nursing Diploma In the U.S.

Linda Richards was the first to earn a nursing degree in the U.S. After enrolling in a new nursing program at the New England Hospital for Women and Children, Linda Richards became its first graduate in 1873.

Mary Elizabeth Mahoney was the First African-American Nurse

The first African American nurse was Mary Elizabeth Mahoney, who enrolled in the nursing school at the New England Hospital for Women and Children in 1878. She was born to formerly enslaved people in 1845. Forty-two students entered the program the same year as Ms. Mahoney, and only four completed it. Mary Elizabeth Mahoney was one of the four students.

Hospitals Are Not the Only Place to Find Nurses

Around 60% of nurses practice in hospitals. The 40% of remaining nurses work in ambulatory services such as doctor’s offices, outpatient nursing centers, nursing homes, and residential care communities. Nurses also work in the legal profession and education at all levels.

Interested in a New Nursing Job? Contact Power Personnel Today

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