The influence of Florence Nightingale's image on Liverpool nurses 1945-1995

Images of Florence Nightingale have been crystallised over time so that an iconoclastic image is frequently presented. Using oral history as a research method, a convenience sample of Liverpool nurses, spanning the period 1945-1995 discussed how this image had a bearing on them as nurses and on their practice. It would appear that during their training, lectures were about Florence Nightingale as a person and students were expected to emulate her. The influence of the image led to a rigorous attention to detail in the work and their persona. Over time, this influence has diminnished through the many changes experienced in the delivery of healthcare. However, it is contended that if attention was paid to Nightingale's works rather than her image, there could have been a resurgence of interest which might have influenced practice.