This episode of The Nocturnists is sponsored by the Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute for Clinical Excellence at the University of Chicago.

The Institute is dedicated to fostering compassionate doctor-patient relationships and advancing clinical care.

Each year, the Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute recognizes extraordinary healthcare professionals through the National Clinical Excellence Award.

To learn more about the award and to nominate a deserving clinician,

visit buxbaum institute.u-chicago.edu.

Support for the nocturnist comes from the California Medical Association.

At the nocturnists, we are careful to ensure that all stories

comply with health care privacy laws. Details may have been changed to ensure patient confidentiality.

All views expressed are those of the person speaking and not their employer.

You're listening to The nocturnous conversations.

I'm Emily Silverman.

Nursing is a cornerstone of health care, an experience that touches all of us.

Whether we've been cared for in sickness or supported through one of life's pivotal transitions like birth and death, nursing is a fundamental

human act. Nurses are at the bedside around the clock, assessing our physical health, but also

assessing deeper things like our resolve, our capacity to heal, the dynamics of our support systems.

Despite its vital role, nursing is often undervalued and its history overlooked.

But today's guest, critically acclaimed author and journalist Sarah DiGregorio,

seeks to change that with her remarkable book, Taking Care, the story of nursing and its power to change our world.

Through her vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Sarah sheds light on the rich and complex

history of nursing, tracing its origins from ancient caregiving practices in Neolithic times

to the transformative figures like Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacol who have helped

to shape the profession. In our conversation, Sarah describes connections between nursing,

...