Reference Help Available Today:
Books are a great source of information on history and librarians add standardized subject headings to make them easier to find. Try these searches in the library's catalog.
Searching for specific historic nurses may also be useful. For example:
You can find books about multiple nursing theorists by searching the catalog for
You can also search for specific theorists, such as
or browse these online books on nursing theorists:
Pioneering Theories in Nursing by
Pioneering Theories in Nursing traces the origins of nursing theories through their founders. Unlike other nursing theory texts, this book provides the personal story on some of the greatest nursing leaders, clinicians and theorists to date so th...
Fast Facts about the Nursing Profession by
""Fast Facts about the Nursing Profession" is a brief, accessible, and very informative text in the Fast Facts series, which provides practitioners with vital information leading to success in clinical practice.Clearly and intelligently written, Fast Facts is replete with well-known information and more esoteric facts about the subject under consideration. The book is an important contribution to the series." --Leigh Whaley, Acadia University, Canada Captures the essence of pivotal events and individuals in nursing history Replete with concise and easy-to-read information, this resource captures the essence of pivotal events and individuals in nursing history who have driven the evolution of the nursing role from that of a "handmaiden&" to a key health professional. It distills important historical information--often neglected in today's nursing programs--that fosters an understanding and appreciation of the issues that inform nursing practice today. Content is presented in an easy-access format consisting of short summaries and "Fast Facts in a Nutshell" that identify key points throughout each chapter. An introductory chapter featuring an interview with a prominent nursing historian adds breadth and color to this review of nursing through the ages. Incorporating a global perspective, each chapter highlights significant events during a particular era as they affected the status of the nursing profession and the nursing role. Beginning with the pre-Nightingale period, the book addresses the role of the nurse before the advent of formal training programs. It continues with the contributions of Florence Nightingale, the early 1900s, and new developments in nursing, including public health nursing and the impact of both world wars. The bulk of the book comprises an in-depth account of the tremendous growth and professional development in nursing during the past 100 years, addressing nursing theories and leaders, education, research, professional organizations, and the future of nursing. Key Features Provides important historical content often neglected in today's nursing programs Delivers concise, easy-to-read information about important events and influential nursing luminaries Describes how nurses have influenced health and wellness across the life span Highlights key points with "Fast Facts in a Nutshell" boxes Includes an interview with the president of the American Association for the History of Nursing, a chapter on the relevance of nursing history by a noted nurse historian, and a chapter on influential nurses in history by a noted nursing leader and educator
Reference books (both online and in the library) include short biographies of many nursing leaders. Here are some titles to consider.
American Nursing: A Biographical Dictionary: Volume 3 by 
Notable Black American Women
Nursing's Great Leaders by 
Pivotal Moments in Nursing, Volume I by 
