Pioneer and Campaigner
The Royal College of Nursing
Display No. 52
Originally founded as the ‘College of Nursing’ in 1916, their first campaign led to the passage of the Nurses’ Act 1919, which established a register for nurses for the first time.
This badge was created in 1920 and features the letters ‘CN’ and symbols representing the 4 nations of the UK. Known as the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), since 1939, the College is the UK’s largest trade union and professional body for nursing.
The Royal College of Nursing Library and Archive
Exhibits from ‘Pioneer and Campaigner’
Discover the 200 Exhibits
Nightingale is respected worldwide for her pioneering role in developing the nursing profession, her statistical work, and her evidence-based approach to healthcare. In honour of her bicentenary the World Health Organisation have named 2020 the Year of the Nurse and Midwife.
In our special exhibition, you will find out about objects, people and places which tell interesting stories about Florence’s life and legacy. You’ll discover artefacts from her life, people she both inspired and challenged, and places she helped to shape. There’s many more insights too!
Please click on the different sections of her famous coxcomb diagram to explore various aspects of her life and legacy. We hope you enjoy exploring!