Famous American Nurses

Clara Barton was an American nurse known for founding the American Red Cross. She served as a hospital nurse during the American Civil War, a teacher, and a patent clerk. Despite lacking formal nursing education, she provided self-taught nursing care. Barton stood out for her humanitarian efforts and civil rights advocacy in an era when women did not have voting rights. Her contributions led to her induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1973.

Mary Eliza Mahoney was the first African-American professionally trained nurse in the United States. In 1879, she became the first African American to graduate from an American school of nursing. She, along with colleagues Martha Minerva Franklin and Adah B. Thoms, founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses in 1908. The organization worked to improve access to education and nursing practices for African-American nurses and played a crucial role in eliminating racial discrimination in the nursing profession. Mahoney received numerous honors for her groundbreaking work.

Agnes Hannah von Kurowsky Stanfield was an American nurse who served in an American Red Cross hospital in Milan during World War I. She inspired the character "Catherine Barkley" in Ernest Hemingway's novel A Farewell to Arms. Kurowsky's professional life revolved around nursing and caring for wounded soldiers during the war. Her interactions with Hemingway, who was one of her patients, led to a brief but impactful relationship. Despite their plans to marry, Kurowsky ultimately became engaged to an Italian officer, and they never reunited.

Ethel Roosevelt Derby played a significant role in preserving her father's legacy and the family home, Sagamore Hill. Known as "The Queen" or "The First Lady of Oyster Bay," she dedicated herself to ensuring the preservation of her father's memory and the historic estate. She was actively involved in managing and maintaining Sagamore Hill, solidifying her reputation as a key figure in preserving the Roosevelt family heritage. Her efforts were instrumental in safeguarding her family's history for future generations.

Lillian D. Wald was an American nurse, humanitarian, and author known for her pioneering work in public health and community nursing. She founded the Henry Street Settlement in New York City, where she advocated for human rights and provided essential healthcare services to underserved communities. Wald was a tireless activist for women's rights and racial equality, playing a significant role in the founding of organizations such as the NAACP. Through her dedication to social reform and public health, she left a lasting impact on American society.

Elizabeth Freeman was a trailblazing figure in American history, known for her pivotal role in challenging the institution of slavery through the legal system. Her landmark freedom suit in Massachusetts set a precedent that ultimately led to the abolition of slavery in the state. By courageously standing up for her rights and securing a significant legal victory, Freeman contributed to the broader fight for freedom and equality for African Americans in early America.

Hildegard E. Peplau was a pioneering American nurse and the first published nursing theorist post-Florence Nightingale. She developed the middle-range nursing theory of interpersonal relations, transforming the field of nursing. Peplau's work significantly impacted mental health law reform, advocating for improved treatment of individuals with behavior and personality disorders. Her contributions paved the way for more compassionate and effective patient care practices. Peplau's legacy continues to inspire and influence nursing professionals worldwide.

Bessie Lillian Carter was an American nurse known for her professional contributions as a Peace Corps volunteer in India. She also authored two books during her son's presidency. Carter's work as a nurse and her involvement in the Peace Corps highlighted her dedication to serving others and promoting global goodwill. Her literary endeavors showcased her talents beyond the medical field, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to making a positive impact through both her actions and words.

Yetunde Price was a dedicated and valued personal assistant to the renowned tennis players Venus and Serena Williams. She played a crucial role in supporting their professional careers and managing their day-to-day affairs. Price's commitment to her work and strong organizational skills contributed to the success of the Williams sisters. Tragically, her life was cut short in 2003 due to a senseless act of violence, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication in the world of tennis.

Alex Wubbels, formerly known as Alex Shaffer, is an accomplished American nurse and former Olympian with a background in alpine skiing. She achieved national champion status in both slalom and giant slalom events in 1999 and represented the United States in the Winter Olympics in 1998 and 2002. In July 2017, Wubbels gained widespread recognition for her courageous actions in preventing law enforcement from unlawfully obtaining blood from a patient under her care, showcasing her dedication to ethical and professional standards in healthcare.

Mary Ann Bickerdyke, known as Mother Bickerdyke, was a dedicated hospital administrator for Union soldiers during the American Civil War. She played a crucial role in establishing 300 field hospitals to provide medical care for the wounded. Post-war, she continued her service by assisting veterans and their families in obtaining pensions. Bickerdyke's tireless advocacy for veterans and her commitment to their well-being solidified her legacy as a compassionate and influential figure in the history of nursing and military healthcare.

Clara Maass was an American nurse known for her dedication to public health and willingness to volunteer for medical experiments. She played a significant role in studying yellow fever, ultimately sacrificing her life in the pursuit of scientific knowledge. Her courageous actions contributed valuable insights to the understanding and treatment of the disease. Clara Maass's professional life exemplifies her commitment to serving others and advancing medical research, leaving a lasting impact on the field of healthcare.

Madeleine Leininger was a pioneering nursing theorist known for her work on transcultural nursing. She first published her ideas in 1961, focusing on the concept of caring in the nursing profession. Leininger's contributions to nursing theory have had a lasting impact on the field, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences in healthcare. As a nursing professor, she played a significant role in advancing the discussion around transcultural nursing, highlighting the need for culturally competent care in healthcare settings.

Mary Breckinridge was an American nurse midwife who founded the Frontier Nursing Service in rural Kentucky. She provided comprehensive family medical care to remote and impoverished areas accessible by horseback. Drawing inspiration from European practices, she aimed to professionalize American nurse-midwives to work autonomously in homes and decentralized clinics. Her efforts significantly reduced infant and maternal mortality rates in Appalachia at a low cost. Despite the success of her work, her model of nurse-midwifery did not gain widespread acceptance in the United States.

Sahra Noor is a respected Somali-American nurse and health care executive. With a background in healthcare, she has demonstrated strong leadership skills and a commitment to improving healthcare services. Noor's professional career has been focused on managing and implementing healthcare initiatives to enhance patient care and access to services. She has a proven track record of success in the healthcare industry, making significant contributions to the field through her expertise and dedication to the well-being of others.

Colonel Ruby Bradley was a distinguished officer in the United States Army Nurse Corps, known for her exceptional service during World War II. She bravely endured captivity under the Japanese and emerged as one of the most decorated women in the U.S. military. With a strong commitment to her duties, she exemplified courage and dedication throughout her career. Her professional life was characterized by selfless service, leadership, and a steadfast resolve to care for and support those in need, leaving a lasting impact on the military community.

Dorothea Orem was an influential American nursing theorist known for developing the self-care deficit nursing theory, also known as the Orem's Model of Nursing. Throughout her professional life, she dedicated herself to advancing nursing practice by emphasizing the importance of patient self-care and independence. Her theory, developed over several decades, has had a lasting impact on primary care and rehabilitation settings, guiding healthcare professionals in supporting patients to be more self-sufficient in managing their own care.

Aleda Ester Lutz was a United States Army flight nurse who made significant contributions during World War II. She was the first American servicewoman to be killed in combat during the war and the first military woman to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross posthumously. Lutz's brave and selfless service earned her the distinction of being the second-highest decorated woman in the history of the U.S. military. Her dedication and sacrifice exemplify her commitment to serving her country with honor and courage.

Ellen Church was a pioneering figure in aviation history, serving as the first female flight attendant. Trained as a nurse and pilot, she sought to pilot commercial aircraft but faced restrictions due to her gender. Instead, she proposed the idea of using nurses as flight-stewardesses to Boeing Air Transport, emphasizing the safety benefits and reassurance it would provide to passengers. This innovative approach led to the launch of the first flight with stewardesses on May 15, 1930, marking a significant milestone in the airline industry.

Florence Wald was a prominent American nurse known for her pioneering work in the hospice movement. She served as the Dean of Yale School of Nursing and played a crucial role in establishing the first hospice program in the United States, Connecticut Hospice. Wald's dedication to improving end-of-life care extended to advocating for hospice services in prison settings. Her significant contributions to the field of nursing and healthcare earned her a well-deserved place in the National Women's Hall of Fame.

Maj. Annie G. Fox was a pioneering figure in the American military, known for being the first woman to receive the Purple Heart for combat. Serving as the chief nurse at Hickam Field during the Pearl Harbor attack, she displayed exceptional courage and dedication to her role. Despite not being wounded during the attack, her contributions were recognized with the Bronze Star. Her actions during this critical moment in history highlighted her professionalism, leadership, and commitment to serving her country.

First Lieutenant Reba Zitella Whittle served as a dedicated member of the United States Army Nurse Corps during World War II. Her commitment to duty led her to become the sole American military female prisoner of war in the European Theater following the downing of her evacuation aircraft in September 1944. Despite facing adversity, she exemplified bravery and resilience in the face of captivity, showcasing her unwavering dedication to her role as a nurse and her country during a time of great turmoil.

Cordelia Elizabeth Cook was a pioneering American combat nurse in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps during World War II. She made significant contributions to the field of military nursing, becoming the first woman in the U.S. Army to be honored with both the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. Her dedication and bravery in providing medical care to wounded soldiers on the front lines exemplified her commitment to service and excellence in healthcare during a challenging and critical period in history.

Margaret Murdock is a nurse, former US Army officer, and accomplished international shooter. She is renowned for winning a silver medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics, marking the first female Olympic shooting medalist. Murdock also achieved the distinction of being the first woman to win an individual open World Shooting Championship. Throughout her career, she set numerous individual and team world records, earning her a place in five prestigious halls of fame, including the USA Shooting Hall of Fame and the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.

Bonnie Lu Nettles, also known as Ti, was a co-founder and co-leader of the Heaven's Gate new religious movement alongside Marshall Applewhite. Nettles was involved in guiding and leading the group's members in their beliefs and practices. She played a significant role in shaping the ideologies and principles of the movement. Nettles' leadership and teachings are considered instrumental in the formation and evolution of Heaven's Gate, ultimately leading to the tragic mass suicide event in 1997.

Jane Delano was a pioneering nurse and the founder of the American Red Cross Nursing Service. Throughout her career, she dedicated herself to improving healthcare and nursing standards, particularly during times of crisis such as World War I. Delano played a crucial role in organizing and training nurses to provide care to those in need. Her leadership and advocacy for nursing education and professionalism left a lasting impact on the field, establishing a strong foundation for future generations of healthcare professionals.

Josephine E. Heffernan was an Irish-American nurse who served in the United States Army during the First World War. She began her nursing career in California and Mississippi before being stationed at the American hospital in Rimaucourt, France. Following the war, Heffernan continued her service in various locations, including China, the Philippines, and Pearl Harbor. Her dedication to nursing and her experiences during wartime were highlighted in a documentary film that aired in 2018.

Sherri Rasmussen was a professional who lived in Van Nuys, California, United States. She tragically lost her life in 1986 when she was found beaten and shot in her apartment. The case initially puzzled the Los Angeles Police Department, but was eventually solved years later when DNA evidence linked LAPD officer Stephanie Ilene Lazarus to the crime. Rasmussen's case shed light on potential mishandling of evidence and investigative practices within the LAPD, leading to legal actions and appeals.

Bertha Holt was an American activist known for founding the Holt International Children's Services, an organization dedicated to humanitarian efforts and adoption services. Her commitment to helping children in need led to significant contributions in the field of adoption and social welfare. Bertha's impactful work earned her recognition, including being honored as an inductee of the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2002. Through her dedication and advocacy, Bertha Holt left a lasting legacy in the realm of child welfare and adoption services.

Louise McManus was a pioneering figure in the field of nursing, known for being the first nurse to earn a Ph.D. Her impactful career included establishing schools of nursing in college and playing a key role in the development of nationally standardized methods for nursing licensure in the United States. Through her dedication and leadership, McManus significantly contributed to the advancement and professionalization of nursing as a respected and essential profession in the healthcare industry.

Mabel Keaton Staupers was a pioneering figure in the American nursing profession, advocating for racial equality and the inclusion of black nurses during World War II. As the executive secretary of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, she fought to integrate black nurses into the military and professional nursing organizations. Staupers played a crucial role in desegregating the military's nursing corps and continued her efforts to ensure equal opportunities for nurses of all races. She was recognized for her leadership and achievements in advancing the status of African American nurses.

Florence A. Blanchfield was a pioneering figure in the United States Army, serving as a Colonel and superintendent of the Army Nursing Corps from 1943 to 1947. She was recognized for her exceptional service with awards such as the Distinguished Service Medal in 1945 and the Florence Nightingale Medal by the International Red Cross in 1951. Blanchfield made history in 1947 as the first woman to receive a military commission in the regular army, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in the military.

Maura Clarke was an American Catholic Maryknoll sister who dedicated her life to serving as a missionary in Nicaragua and El Salvador. She focused on helping the poor and refugees in Central America from 1959 until her tragic death in 1980. Maura's work involved providing support and care to those in need, embodying the values of compassion and service. Her commitment to assisting marginalized communities led her to work tirelessly in challenging environments, making a significant impact through her selfless dedication.

Elsie S. Ott began her professional career by attending nursing school in New York City before joining the Army Nurse Corps in 1941. Assigned as a second lieutenant, Ott quickly embarked on various assignments in different locations. Her most notable achievement came during an intercontinental air evacuation mission in India, where she served as an in-flight nurse for wounded soldiers. Ott's meticulous notes from the mission led to recommendations for future evacuations. Her bravery and contributions earned her the distinction of being the first woman to receive the United States Air Medal.

Sue S. Dauser was a prominent figure in the United States Navy Nurse Corps, serving as the fifth Superintendent. Her leadership was crucial during World War II, as she guided the Nurse Corps through the challenges of the conflict. Dauser's professional life was defined by her dedication to the well-being of nurses under her command and her commitment to providing exceptional medical care to service members. Her influence and expertise left a lasting impact on the Nurse Corps and the field of military healthcare.

Jane Currie Blaikie Hoge was an American nurse, fund raiser, and welfare worker known for her significant contributions during the American Civil War. Prior to the war, she founded a homeless shelter in Chicago, showcasing her commitment to aiding the less fortunate. During the war, Hoge played a crucial role in recruiting nurses for the Union army, demonstrating her dedication to supporting the troops. Post-war, she continued her philanthropic endeavors by raising funds to assist in the nation's reconstruction efforts, leaving a lasting impact on American society.

Mary Adelaide Nutting was a Canadian nurse and educator who played a pioneering role in the field of hospital care. She co-founded a modern nursing program at Johns Hopkins University and later chaired the nursing and health department at Teachers College, Columbia University. Nutting developed a cutting-edge curriculum emphasizing preparatory nursing education, public health studies, and social service. She also contributed significantly to standardizing nursing education and advocating for nurse-profession interests in state legislation. Nutting authored numerous scholarly works, including the renowned "A History of Nursing."

Julia Dempsey, also known as Sister Mary Joseph, dedicated her professional life to serving as an American religious sister, nurse, and hospital administrator. Throughout her career, she displayed unwavering commitment to caring for others through her nursing practice and leadership in hospital management. Sister Mary Joseph's contributions were marked by compassion, dedication, and a strong sense of service to those in need. Her work left a lasting impact on the healthcare community and the lives of those she served.

Lucy Minnigerode was an American nurse who made significant contributions during World War I. She founded the United States Public Health Service Nursing Corps, demonstrating her commitment to public health. Her dedication and expertise were recognized internationally when she became the eighth American to receive the prestigious Florence Nightingale Medal from the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1925. Through her work in nursing and public health, Lucy Minnigerode left a lasting impact on healthcare practices and standards in the United States.

Erin Angle previously worked as a nurse but transitioned to being a stay-at-home mother. She has kept a low profile and does not have a social-media presence. Despite being related to well-known figures in the entertainment industry, Erin prefers to stay away from the limelight and is rarely seen at public events. Her focus remains on raising her three children and supporting her husband, Hollywood actor Jonathan Edward Bernthal. Erin's professional life now centers around her family and home.