Florence Nightingale was a pioneering nurse and social reformer born on May 12, 1820, in Florence, Italy. She is best known for her work during the Crimean War, where she organized care for wounded soldiers and significantly improved sanitation in military hospitals. Her efforts reduced the death rate and laid the foundation for modern nursing practices. Nightingale was also a statistician and used data to advocate for healthcare reforms. In 1860, she established the Nightingale School of Nursing in London, which trained nurses and emphasized the importance of hygiene and patient care. Her legacy continues to influence nursing and healthcare today.