Dyersburg State Community College is pleased to recognize the proclamation of Florence Nightingale in honor of the School of Nursing at the Jimmy Naifeh Center in Covington, Tennessee. This proclamation is a testament to the invaluable contributions made by Florence Nightingale to the field of nursing and the ongoing commitment of Dyersburg State to educating and empowering future nurses.
Florence Nightingale, born on May 12, 1820, is widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing. Her tireless efforts during the Crimean War revolutionized nursing and set the standards for compassionate and evidence-based care. Nightingale’s dedication to patient care, education, and advocacy inspires nurses worldwide.
The School of Nursing at Dyersburg State has a long-standing tradition of excellence in nursing education. By proclaiming Florence Nightingale in the Learning Resource Center, Student Center, and Tipton County Public Library at the Jimmy Naifeh Center, Dyersburg State recognizes the importance of honoring the past while embracing the future of nursing. This proclamation serves as a reminder to current and future nursing students of the values and principles that underpin the nursing profession.
“Florence Nightingale set the stage for prioritization and critical thinking in patient care, highlighting the importance of infection control and attention to detail when caring for others. These same principles are mirrored in the nursing curriculum at Dyersburg State Community College. The principles are built upon evidence-based practice and its impact on patients today. Florence Nightingale was the pioneer of modern nursing, and it is the goal of the DSCC Nursing Department to embrace her teachings and experiences to foster the development and success of current and future nurses,” stated Dr. Christy Hamilton, Director of Nursing.
Louise Dodd, from Luray, TN, an employee of the TN Dept of Education and Materials Clerk for the Henderson County TN Board of Education, started writing letters in 1960 to all legislative and representatives of the State of Tennessee and also to President Richard Nixon, for a day of Proclamation for Florence Nightingale. Mrs. Dodd even had lunch with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King to discuss her goals to make this happen. Over a period of 16 years and thousands of letters along with patience and endurance, Governor Ray Blanton signed the Florence Nightingale Proclamation for May 12th, 1976, as a day to remember the founder of Modern Nursing. This Florence Nightingale Day Proclamation will be the 1st to be dedicated, placed, and recognized in any Institution of Nursing across the State of Tennessee. Before her death in 1983, her wish was for this Proclamation to be dedicated to all the nurses who work tirelessly every day to save lives. Louise Dodd’s dedication to Education was extremely important to her.
Louise Dodd’s always said, “Anyone can come and take anything they have or own at any point and time in their life, but the only 1 item that no one can ever take away from someone is an Education.”
On February 26, 1976, Governor Ray Banton proclaimed May 12, 1976, as Florence Nightingale Day and recognized her exceptional service to mankind. Louise Dodds was instrumental in writing letters to Governor Ray Blanton to establish a Florence Nightingale Day. Louise Dodds is the grandmother of Tanzy Henson, DSCC Administrative Clerk at the Jimmy Naifeh Center at Tipton County.
The proclamation ceremony will take place on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Jimmy Naifeh Center at Tipton County inside the Learning Resource Center, Student Center, and Tipton County Public Library at 10:00 a.m. The event is open to the public and will include a symbolic unveiling of the proclamation, with light refreshments served afterward.
For more information about the nursing program, contact Dr. Christy Hamilton, Director of Nursing, at hamilton@dscc.edu.
About Baptist Memorial Health Care:
Baptist Memorial Health Care is a leading healthcare system serving Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas communities. With a commitment to providing compassionate and high-quality care, Baptist Memorial Health Care is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
About Dyersburg State School of Nursing:
The School of Nursing at Dyersburg State is a renowned institution for nursing education. With a focus on academic excellence and practical experience, the School of Nursing prepares students to become competent and compassionate nurses who positively impact the healthcare industry.