Florence Nightingale award

In 1907 the Hungarian Red Cross Society proposed that a world tribute be paid to Florence Nightingale in the form of a special medal for women who have distinguished themselves in the noble mission of caring for the sick and wounded. Over 40 Australian nurses have received the award, including two military nurses: Evelyn Conyers and Matron Olive Dorothy Paschke. In 1992, the International Committee of the Red Cross changed the criteria for the Florence Nightingale award so that male and female nurses could be eligible. The award is open to qualified nurses and voluntary nursing aides who are active members or regular helpers of a national Red Cross or Red Crescent society or of an affiliated medical or nursing institution.