The recent discovery of unpublished documents in the archives of the Camerata hospital, (Florence, I) sheds light on an important chapter in the history of nursing education and the role played by Grace Baxter (1869–1954), of English parentage but born and lived in Florence. The introduction of professional nurses was part of the international movement for the emancipation of women that included education for an active role in society. Her contribution, with other women, to the history of Italian nursing resulted in the secularisation the profession away from the attitudes of the nuns, permeation of relevant ethical standards, and the beginning of professionalisation of nurses in Italy in accordance with Florence Nightingale's teaching.

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Aim of this short article is to put in light the connections between the similarities and differences between the theories of Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) and those of Ellen Gould White (1827-1915): the first is known around the world because she is considered the founder of modern nursing.Ellen Gould White, on the other hand, is especially familiar within the Seventh-day Adventist Church, of which she was a prominent member.These two women never met or corresponded with one another, yet their writings about health have strong similarities.