A Nurse’s Tale

Worksheet Description

This worksheet contains a historical fiction story which centers around a young and dedicated nurse named Abigail during the year 1863. Abigail, driven by compassion and a strong sense of duty, volunteers at a makeshift field hospital near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, amidst one of the Civil War’s most significant and bloody battles. The story describes her harrowing experiences as she tends to the wounded and dying, faces the harsh realities of war, and struggles with the moral dilemmas of whom to save in a setting where resources are scarce and the need is overwhelming.

The worksheet is crafted to teach students about the role of women as nurses during the American Civil War and the challenging conditions they faced. It aims to impart an understanding of the critical support roles that individuals like Abigail played in providing care for soldiers. The narrative also explores the emotional and ethical complexities encountered by medical personnel in war. Additionally, it encourages students to reflect on the human impact of war and the resilience of those who strive to heal amidst chaos.