Contributions of Florence Nightingale as a social entrepreneur: from modern to contemporary nursing.

OBJECTIVE: To reflect on the transformations of modern and contemporary nursing as well as on Florence Nightingale's social entrepreneurship.

METHOD: This is a logical-reflective exhibition, with an emphasis on the theoretical assumptions of social entrepreneurship and the legacy of Florence Nightingale, from modern to contemporary nursing, based on readings of texts extracted from electronic databases, especially periodicals, books and theses.

RESULTS: The logical-reflective exhibition focuses on two fundamental aspects: 1) Florence Nightingale's legacy as a social entrepreneur; 2) The evolution of Brazilian nursing: from modernity to contemporaneity.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Florence Nightingale's legacy is undeniable with regard to the evolution of modern and contemporary nursing and transcends different areas of knowledge. In addition to being a precursor to modern nursing, it is distinguished by its visionary attitude, humanitarian social value and potential for transforming the paths and realities present in the Contemporary Era.