The social reformer credited with founding modern nursing is Florence Nightingale. In the 19th century, Nightingale revolutionized healthcare practices through her innovative approaches and focus on sanitation, patient care, and the importance of professional nursing. Her efforts during the Crimean War significantly reduced the mortality rate of soldiers by improving hygiene and organizational practices in hospitals. Nightingale's work emphasized data collection and statistical analysis to influence health policy, and her establishment of nursing as a profession for women opened doors for future generations of nurses, laying the foundation for modern nursing practices.