Florence Nightingale importance of her later work in professionalising nursing roles for women. In 1860, Nightingale laid the foundation of professional nursing with the establishment of her nursing school at St Thomas' Hospital in London. It was the first secular nursing school in the world, and is now part of King's College London. In recognition of her pioneering work in nursing, the Nightingale Pledge taken by new nurses, and the Florence Nightingale Medal, the highest international distinction a nurse can achieve, were named in her honour, and the annual International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world on her birthday. Her social
Florence Nightingale Foundation concerns with a panel of senior nurses and engage in professional debate; a tour of the Florence Nightingale Museum; a visit to the Florence Nightingale Chapel in Westminster Abbey, and attendance at the Annual Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service. The Florence Nightingale Foundation Presentation of Certificates is held biannually and acts as a graduation ceremony for completed scholars. The event is an opportunity to celebrate the impact scholars' work has had on patient care and services. In 2014 the Foundation’s patron Sir Robert Francis was the key note speaker and described Florence Nightingale scholars as the ‘future leaders of the profession’.