History

The Florence Nightingale Medal was instituted by the International Red Cross Committee in 1912. The Silver Medal is awarded to nurses, matrons, nursing organizers, and voluntary aids in recognition of distinguished and exceptional service. The Medal was initially awarded annually to 6 nurses for exceptional service in connection with nursing, but since the First World War has been expanded to reward acts of courage and devotion to victims of armed conflict or natural disaster. Nursing personnel who have provided exceptional service in public health or nursing education are also eligible for the award. The Medal is awarded biennially in commemoration of Miss Nightengale's birthdate to a maximum of 50 recipients.

The award of the Medal is issued with a parchment diploma and, since 1927, a miniature version of the Medal.

The Medal features a Latin inscription on the reverse which translates to "True and Loving Humanitarianism a Lasting General Propriety."

The Medal may also be awarded posthumously if the recipient had passed while serving on active duty.