Florence Nightingale Medal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Florence Nightingale Medal |
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Obverse of the medal.
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| Awarded for | Gold and silver medallion with the inscription 'Ad memoriam Florence Nightingale 1820–1910' suspended from a red cross encircled by green laurel. |
| Presented by | Heads of State or Heads of Red Cross National Societies. |
The Florence Nightingale Medal is a very special international award. It is given to nurses and nursing aides who show amazing courage and dedication. The medal is named after Florence Nightingale, a famous British nurse.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) created this medal in 1912. It is the highest honor a nurse can receive anywhere in the world. People get the medal for being super brave and helping those who are hurt, sick, or disabled. They also get it for helping people affected by conflicts or disasters. Sometimes, it's given for excellent work in public health or for new ideas in nursing education.
History of the Medal
The Florence Nightingale Medal was first planned to be given to six nurses each year. However, the First World War caused a delay. So, the very first 42 medals were not given out until 1920.
The first nurses to receive this award came from many different countries. These included Great Britain, Austria, Belgium, France, Japan, and the United States. Some of the first American nurses honored were Florence Merriam Johnson and Helen Scott Hay.
For a long time, only female nurses could receive the medal. But in 1991, the rules changed. Now, both women and men can be awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal. It is given out every two years. Up to 50 people from all over the world can receive it each time.
What the Medal Looks Like
The Florence Nightingale Medal is shaped like a vesica piscis, which is like two circles overlapping. It is made of gold and silver. On one side, you can see a picture of Florence Nightingale. Around her picture are the words "Ad memoriam Florence Nightingale 1820–1910." This means "In memory of Florence Nightingale 1820–1910."
On the back of the medal, the name of the person who received it is carved. Also, the date they received it is there. Around the name, it says "Pro vera misericordia et cara humanitate perennis décor universalis." This means "true and loving humanitarianism – a lasting general propriety."
The medal hangs from a white and red ribbon. It is attached by a clasp that looks like a red cross surrounded by green leaves. Along with the medal, recipients also get a special paper called a diploma. Since 1927, they also get a smaller version of the medal that is easier to wear. Usually, the head of state in their own country presents the medal in a formal ceremony.
Recent Awards
The Florence Nightingale Medal continues to be awarded to brave and dedicated nurses worldwide. For example, in 2017, Rear Admiral Sylvia Trent-Adams, who was the Acting Surgeon General of the United States, received the medal. Also, Roselyn Nugba-Ballah was the first person from Liberia to get the medal for her work during the Ebola outbreak.
In 2021, 25 nurses from 18 countries received the award. Two of these were given after the nurses had passed away, honoring their great service. In 2023, 37 nurses from 22 countries were honored. This included three posthumous awards for people who helped others and sadly passed away. Wilbroad William Rwenyagira became the first person from Tanzania to receive this important medal in 2023.
See also
