Florence Nightingale founded modern nursing. In the mid-1800s, she drastically improved hygiene standard and reduced the death rate in hospitals.
But before that, Nightingale was torn by the idea of leaving her comfortable home for service. In fact, it took her almost 16 years to respond to what she later referred to as “the call.” Healthcare work was dangerous back then. Unsurprisingly, her wealthy family disapproved.
While wrestling with her call, Nightingale once asked Gridley Howe, a physician:
“Do you think it would be unsuitable and unbecoming for a young Englishwoman to devote herself to works of charity in hospitals?”
Dr. Howe responded:
“It would be unusual, and in England whatever is unusual is thought to be unsuitable. But I say to you “go forward,” if you have a vocation for that way of life, act up to your inspiration and you will find there is never anything unbecoming or unladylike in doing your duty for the good of others. Choose, go on with it, wherever it may lead you.”
