Nerina Gigliucci (1878–1963). An unpublished contribution to history of nursing and the development of public health system in Italy

Background Nerina Gigliucci (London, 1878-Florence, 1963) is known as the biographer of the volunteer nurses in the Italian Red Cross of Florence during World War 1. Her figure is much more complex and crucial in orienting her commitment to nursing professionalization and to the development of the Public Health System in Italy. Purpose The aim of the study is the reconstruction of a specific phase in the history of nursing, focusing on new aspects of the life and work of Nerina Gigliucci and exploring the early history of public health nursing education in Italy. Methods The study utilized new archival and bibliographical sources, examined in an integrated way, focusing on new aspects of Nerina's biographical profile and exploring the early history of public health nursing education in Italy. Results Nerina's participation in women's movements highlights her role as the first port of call with international organizations that introduce standardized procedures for the construction of a Public Health System in Italy through the cause of assistance and hygiene. Discussion A key element pointed out in Nerina's biography is the dialogue between Italian institutions and international organizations, committed to hygiene and assistance that contextualizes the development of basic nursing education in Italy into the rising Public Health System in a social and political framework needs. New comparative studies are expected to reread the history of nursing in Italy in a global perspective, integrated with the history of public health system.