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NOTREDAME.EDU.AU 11 20TH ANNIVERSARY 2020 Anniversary Staff Artwork guided by Neta Knapp to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the School of Nursing & Midwifery (Planning day January 2020). Staff Artwork – ‘Birthing on Country’ – The colours of our Country with travel lines, water and leaves for Birthing on Country. Prologue of the 20th Anniversary Book (November 2020 book launch) The romantic version of Nightingale as the lady with the lamp decries the influence of her emotional and spiritual life, and her propensity and determination to train women in the art and science of nursing. Underlying all her thoughts and deeds was her abiding Christian faith and the liberal education she received from her father. Her thirst for knowledge and her commitment to life-long learning are valid in today’s nursing climate. It was her faith that fostered the courage and resilience to pursue her philosophy of nurse training as a secular vocation. It was also her guide in networking abilities with men in a society who negated women’s role in sociopolitical activities. Associated with her liberal education, including theology and philosophy, Nightingale portrayed the ability to speak eloquently and intelligently. Her attention to detail and observation skills enabled her to make the connection between cause and effect; a methodological skill that has remained the backbone of nursing science. Nightingale continually struggled with the expectations of women of her class and believed that any women could be educated to learn about nursing and to teach others the moral aspect of nursing. Her legacy of caring for people who are sick, well, poor or affluent has remained into the 21st Century and spread across the globe. Written by Dr Carol Piercey