Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

Which of the following statements reflects the legacy of Florence Nightingale?

1. Ethics can vary widely among nurses

2. Only societal values influence nursing ethics

3. Moral integrity is essential for nursing

4. Ethics were irrelevant during her time

The correct answer is: Moral integrity is essential for nursing

The statement that moral integrity is essential for nursing reflects the legacy of Florence Nightingale because she emphasized the importance of ethical conduct and professional integrity in nursing practice. Nightingale is often regarded as the founder of modern nursing, and her work was grounded in a strong moral framework that prioritized patient care, compassion, and ethical decision-making. She believed that nurses should not only be skilled practitioners but also moral agents who advocate for the well-being of their patients. Her commitment to high ethical standards helped to establish nursing as a respectable and credible profession, highlighting that the care provided to patients is not solely a technical task but also one that requires a deep sense of responsibility and integrity. This belief laid the groundwork for the ethical principles that guide nursing today, making moral integrity a foundational element of the profession. In contrast, the other statements do not encapsulate Nightingale’s influence. The idea that ethics can vary widely among nurses undermines the universal principles she championed. Suggesting that societal values are the sole influencers of nursing ethics overlooks Nightingale's contributions to establishing core ethical standards focused on patient care. Lastly, stating that ethics were irrelevant during her time disregards her pioneering efforts to integrate ethical considerations into nursing practice, which were revolutionary for her era.