Florence Nightingale’s Notes on Nursing, published in 1860, was a major text in laying the foundation for modern nursing practices.

The book emphasized the critical role of hygiene, patient care, and environmental factors in healing at a time when these concepts were poorly understood. Nightingale’s insistence on proper sanitation, clean air, nutrition, and patient observation not only improved patient outcomes but also elevated nursing from a menial task to a respected, scientifically grounded profession. The text served as a guide for training nurses, advocating for education, empathy, and professionalism.

Nightingale’s work shaped the development of nursing schools and transformed healthcare by demonstrating that thoughtful, evidence–based care could save lives and prevent disease. Her principles continue to influence nursing and public health today.