What is the significance of Rufaidah in the development of nursing? 1

QUESTION

What is the significance of Rufaidah in the development of nursing?

1. She is believed to have started the first nursing school in Islam.
2. She was a Knight Hospitaller of St. John.
3. She started the Parabolani Brotherhood.
4. After converting to Christianity, she started hospitals in Palestine.

ANSWER:

Correct Answer: 1

Rufaidah is identified as the first nurse in Islam and started the first nursing school in Islam. The need for women care providers in the Islamic world is dictated by the custom of purdah, which makes it difficult for women to receive care from men and for men to receive care from women other than their family members. The Knights Hospitallers of St. John was a male religious order during the Middle Ages and was not associated with Rufaidah. The Parabolani Brotherhood was a group of men that provided care to the sick and dying in Rome during the third century and were not associated with Rufaidah. The person who converted to Christianity and started hospitals in Palestine was Paula, not Rufaidah.