During our whole school assembly, Mr. Wilson spoke to the children about “International Nurses Day.” He asked where they might expect to see a nurse and what kinds of help nurses provide. He was delighted with the variety of responses, ranging from “There was a nurse at my birth,” to mentions of mental health nurses, geriatric nurses, and intensive care nurses.
The school celebrate the vital work nurses do for us—both physically and mentally—on the birthday of Florence Nightingale. In a video, everyone learned that she was born in Florence, Italy, trained in nursing in Germany, and later improved sanitary conditions for soldiers during the Crimean War. The children also discovered that soldiers nicknamed her the “Lady of the Hammer” because she would break into doctors’ medicine cabinets to access the treatments patients needed. However, journalists felt that “Lady of the Lamp” was a more appropriate and refined title.
Interestingly, Coopersale Hall School served as a convalescent home during World War II—a very meaningful role. Nurses remain crucial not only for our physical care but also for our mental well-being, offering kindness and support when we need it most.
