August 27, 2009 – I finished the narratives today for the entire suite for the Florence Nightingale exhibit.  It has been an exhausting effort, and I hope I was able through seven paintings and two Legend panels of ephemera able to capture the essence and character of Florence Nightingale.  It was certainly a stretch of my capabilities as an artist, and I welcomed the challenge.  I hope folks enjoy the narratives in order that each may learn about the history of modern nursing and the life and times of nursing pioneer, hospital administrator, statistician, hospital designer, and author, Florence Nightingale.

My name is Carolyn from Jacksonville,FL and I have been a registered nurse for 38 years. I have never regretted, not even for one day, choosing nursing as my career. It has been my “calling” and my ministry for all these years. I knew from the first day in my pediatric rotation as a student that I was meant to care for ill children and their families. I may not have seen myself in my present role when I began so many years ago, but my passion for children and families has never waned. I believe nursing is the heart and soul of healthcare. Very few professions allow you to care for people during their most vulnerable times in their lives. Patients and families deserve knowledgable and caring nurse. My life’s passion has been to provide that kind of care to some of the sickest children in our area.

I’ve nearly completed the suite of paintings now. The two “legacy” towers include ephemera from Florence and her life and times, including a 10″x14″ bronze plaque with her Nursing Pledge; stamps and the ten pound sterling British currency note, original carte de vista (calling card) with her Kilbern photo and signature on the back, return envelope from the U.S.S. Nightingale, a signed Christmas card from Florence to her neice, Joan Bonham-Carter, and more. I am excited about the Florence Nightingale exhibit as it is being readied for 2010 and the celebratory efforts going on around the world in her honor. It’s been a very busy three months!