Florence Nightingale's life and work were driven by a mystical calling she received at age 16, which motivated her to become a practicing mystic in the Western tradition. This spiritual practice was the primary source of her energy and influence. The article examines her motivation and inspiration by drawing parallels between her life and three recognized women mystics. Her leadership of nurses during the Crimean War (1854-1856) at Scutari, Turkey, brought her to world attention as a spiritual beacon. Her key achievement was pioneering the modern administrative role of nurse superintendent, using measurable outcomes supported by irrefutable data, which became the foundation of her life's work.
A professional training program in contemplative end-of-life care, based on mindfulness and receptive attention, helped clinicians cultivate presence, balanced compassion, recognition of grief, and self-care. In a survey of 95 participants and interviews with 40, the program's contemplative practices were reported as meaningful and valuable, providing skills and attitudes that changed how clinicians worked with dying and bereaved people. The quality of presence was seen as potentially transforming care for dying people and caregivers, offering alternatives to purely intellectual and task-oriented approaches.