Who is credited with establishing the foundations of modern nursing?

Florence Nightingale is credited with establishing the foundations of modern nursing primarily due to her pioneering work during the Crimean War, where she dramatically improved sanitary conditions in military hospitals. She introduced practices such as proper hygiene, sanitation, and the organization of hospital care, which significantly reduced the death rate among wounded soldiers. Nightingale's approach emphasized the importance of a data-driven methodology in healthcare, as evidenced by her use of statistical analysis to demonstrate the impact of cleanliness on patient outcomes.

Her efforts led to the establishment of the Nightingale Pledge and the nursing education system, and she is often referred to as the "Lady with the Lamp" for her dedication to caring for patients. Nightingale’s legacy endures through the nursing profession, setting standards that continue to shape the practice and education of nurses today.