The global nursing workforce is facing one of its biggest challenges: a critical shortage of nurses. According to When we think of the origins of nursing, Florence Nightingale usually comes to mind. However, the first recorded nurse in history was actually a warrior—Phoebe, mentioned in the Bible as a caregiver in ancient Rome.
But even before Phoebe, nursing-like roles existed in early civilizations:
1. Ancient Egypt (3000 BCE)
- Priests and priestesses acted as healers, using herbal medicine and spiritual rituals to treat patients.
2. Ancient Greece (5th Century BCE)
- Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine,” emphasized patient care, but women (often slaves or family members) provided actual nursing support.
3. Medieval Europe (5th-15th Century)
- During the Crusades, Knights Hospitaller cared for injured soldiers, acting as both warriors and nurses.
4. The 19th Century Revolution
- Florence Nightingale transformed nursing into a respected profession by improving sanitation and introducing modern patient care practices.
Today, nursing continues to evolve, but its roots in courage, compassion, and dedication remain unchanged. From ancient healers to battlefield medics, nurses have always been heroes in healthcare.
