The Florence Nightingale Medal is a medal instituted in 1912[1] by the International Committee of the Red Cross. It is the highest international distinction a nurse can achieve and is awarded to nurses or nursing aides for "exceptional courage and devotion to the wounded, sick or disabled or to civilian victims of a conflict or disaster" or "exemplary services or a creative and pioneering spirit in the areas of public health or nursing education".[2].
It was initially set up to be awarded to six nurses annually, although the first 42 awards were only made in 1920 because of the First World War.[3]
The medal was restricted to female nurses until regulation changes in 1991. Under the new regulations it is open to both women and men, and is awarded every two years to a maximum number of fifty recipients worldwide.[2] Each recipient is given a medal and a diploma, usually by the Head of State at a ceremony in their own country, which is required to have "a formal character, in keeping with the founders' wishes".[4]
In 2007, the 41st set of medals were awarded. The 35 recipients from 18 countries in that year, brought the total number of medals awarded to 1,309.".[5]
In 2009, the 42nd set of medals were awarded. The 28 recipients from 15 countries in that year (including for the first time to an Afghan nurse), brought the total number of medals awarded to 1,337.".[4]
In 2011, the 43rd set of medals were awarded. The 39 recipients from 19 countries in that year (including for the first time to two Kenyan nurses), brought the total number of medals awarded to 1376.".[6]