Introduction
This essay explores the character traits and virtues Florence Nightingale deemed essential for nurses, situating her expectations within the ethical framework of nursing practice. Nightingale, often regarded as the founder of modern nursing, revolutionised the profession in the 19th century through her work during the Crimean War and her subsequent writings. Her seminal text, *Notes on Nursing* (1860), provides a foundation for understanding the moral and personal qualities she believed nurses should embody. This essay will examine key virtues such as dedication, compassion, and discipline, while considering their relevance to nursing ethics. Through a critical lens, it will assess how Nightingale’s expectations reflect the historical context of her time and their implications for contemporary nursing.
Dedication and Selflessness
One of the foremost virtues Nightingale expected from nurses was an unwavering dedication to their role. She viewed nursing as a calling rather than a mere occupation, requiring individuals to prioritise the welfare of patients above personal comfort. In *Notes on Nursing*, Nightingale (1860) emphasised that nurses must be willing to sacrifice personal desires to meet the needs of the sick, often under challenging conditions. This selflessness was evident in her own life, as she worked tirelessly during the Crimean War to improve hospital conditions, often at great personal risk. Her expectation of dedication reflects an ethical commitment to altruism, a principle still central to nursing codes of conduct today. However, while admirable, this ideal could place considerable emotional and physical strain on nurses—an aspect Nightingale did not fully address, arguably due to the stoic ideals of her era.
Compassion and Empathy
Compassion was another critical virtue Nightingale associated with nursing. She believed nurses must genuinely care for their patients, displaying empathy in their interactions. Nightingale (1860) argued that a nurse’s ability to provide comfort—both physical and emotional—was as vital as technical skill. For instance, she stressed the importance of small acts, such as adjusting a patient’s environment for peace and quiet, as expressions of care. This focus on empathy aligns with ethical principles in nursing, which prioritise patient dignity and holistic care. Nevertheless, Nightingale’s perspective was somewhat paternalistic, assuming nurses should ‘know best’ for patients, which may conflict with modern views on patient autonomy. This limitation highlights the historical context of her teachings, shaped by Victorian social hierarchies.
Discipline and Moral Integrity
Nightingale also placed significant emphasis on discipline and moral integrity as essential traits for nurses. She advocated for strict adherence to duty, insisting that nurses maintain professionalism even under pressure. In her writings, she warned against gossip or negligence, viewing such behaviours as betrayals of trust (Nightingale, 1860). Furthermore, Nightingale believed nurses should embody moral uprightness, setting an example of virtue for others. This expectation reflects her view of nursing as a noble profession requiring impeccable character. While her emphasis on discipline remains relevant—evidenced in modern nursing standards such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code (2018)—her rigid stance on morality could be seen as overly prescriptive, lacking flexibility for individual circumstances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Florence Nightingale expected nurses to embody dedication, compassion, and discipline, virtues she considered fundamental to the ethical practice of nursing. Her ideals, as articulated in *Notes on Nursing*, reveal a vision of nursing rooted in selflessness and moral integrity, shaped by the societal values of her time. While these traits remain relevant, offering a foundation for contemporary nursing ethics, they also carry limitations, such as an overemphasis on sacrifice and a lack of acknowledgment of patient autonomy. Reflecting on Nightingale’s expectations encourages a deeper understanding of the evolving nature of nursing ethics, highlighting the balance between historical ideals and modern challenges. Indeed, her legacy continues to inform the profession, reminding nurses of the profound ethical responsibilities embedded in their role.
References
- Nightingale, F. (1860) Notes on Nursing: What It Is, and What It Is Not. D. Appleton and Company.
- Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018) The Code: Professional Standards of Practice and Behaviour for Nurses, Midwives and Nursing Associates. Nursing and Midwifery Council.
