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10 Most Influential Female Nurses of All Time
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Nurses impact lives every day. But once in a while, a nurse comes along who touches the lives of the world, and not just her patients. These women went above and beyond for the field of nursing. They served in wars, broke down racial barriers, and campaigned for women’s rights. They have become role models for women everywhere, not just nurses. However, nurses can be especially proud to share a title with these ten ladies.
8. Mabel Keaton Staupers
Mabel Keaton Staupers
Mabel Keaton Staupers was an advocate for racial equality in the field of nursing. Staupers served as the secretary of the National Associated of Graduate Colored Nurses. She advocated for the introduction of African-American nurses into the Army and Navy during WWII.
In 1945, she won the fight and all nurses, regardless of race, were to be included in the military. In 1950, Staupers dissolved the NAGCN as it re-aligned with the American Nursing Association.
janeamartinez
3 months ago
12 comments
Go Florence! (well, she's the only one I'm familiar with)
harpgal1
3 months ago
2 comments
Sanger?? Don't disgrace those of us who feel life is a gift from God by putting her on this list. She was the start of what is today a multimillion dollar industry-abortion of human life. If I remember my Florence Nightingale pledge, as well as the Hippocratic oath of MD's, we are to nurture, aid, protect and first--DO NO HARM.
BlueGrassNurse
3 months ago
14 comments
what about the guys? haha just kidding.
Lets hear it for these wonderful women!
Owati
3 months ago
24 comments
I love Florence Nightingale.
Owati
3 months ago
24 comments
I love Florence Nightingale.
lpn38555
3 months ago
2 comments
I agree with Humhoney2006 - Sanger doesn't belong on this list. Where are the ethics in killing and misinformation? She is right up there with Hitler.
Jazzy_Future_Nurse
3 months ago
104 comments
My favorite is Mary Eliza Mahoney. She is a very inspirational person.
aspiringnurse
3 months ago
10 comments
Very inspiring role models. I am glad they have been recognized for their contribution to society and the world at large.
savittieri
3 months ago
10 comments
I knew what I wanted to be at the age of 10 and I would frequently tell my Mom that I was going to be a nurse when I grew up love nursing and I have been practing for 32 years and I woud not trade those 32 years for anything.
erincas
5 months ago
36 comments
All deserve their spot in history but to me Florence Nightingale is the one I look up to the most :-)
YogaNurse
5 months ago
4 comments
I also vote for Jean Watson, please, the Queen of Caring.
www.yoganurse.com
Humhoney2006
11 months ago
6 comments
Sanger is the only one who doesn't belong on this list. Although there was good that came from her work with birthcontrol, the negative side is the millions of aborted unborn children. On a scale, one cancels out the other.
wiyuna
12 months ago
130 comments
i like florence nightingale ^^
Christina1973
12 months ago
74 comments
Fascinating, and debatable, collection of influential nurses. I really enjoyed reading it!
Account Removed
about 1 year ago
I feel that Louisa May Alcott belongs on this list. She served as a nurse in the Civil War and helped change the way society viewed women. Until then, women were not considered intelligent enough or emotionally mature enough to withstand the trauma of treating combat wounded soldiers.
Also, glad to see Mabel Keaton Staupers included, but there have been many many others, nameless and faceless that have helped to pave the way. I love ALL my sisters and am glad to see them recognized and appeciated!