Britannica Sources used in this answer

How did Florence Nightingale change nursing during the Crimean War?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

A young doctor or nurse uses a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope to measure the blood pressure of an elderly man seated at a clinic office desk. — Nursing A nurse uses a sphygmomanometer to check a patient's blood pressure.

During the Crimean War, Florence Nightingale transformed nursing by applying scientific methods to hospital administration and patient care at the Barrack Hospital in Scutari.12

Upon her arrival in 1854, she encountered severe overcrowding, inadequate supplies, and filthy conditions. To address these, she implemented rigorous sanitary reforms, including scrubbing walls, improving ventilation, and organizing medical supplies. She established essential standards of care, such as regular bathing, clean clothing, and nutritious food. Beyond physical health, she addressed the psychological needs of soldiers by providing recreational activities and assisting with correspondence to their families.21

Nightingale’s dedication—exemplified by her nightly rounds to support patients, which earned her the title "Lady with the Lamp"—gained the respect of both soldiers and the medical establishment. By meticulously documenting hospital data, she later used statistical analysis to advocate for broader military medical reforms. Her work during the war demonstrated the value of educated nurses and laid the foundation for modern, professional nursing practices.2341