The History of Army Nurses

American Revolutionary War and the Civil War

Major General Horatiao Gates told George Washington that his wounded men were suffering without the attention only a caring woman could give. The Commander in chief, George Washington, requested of congress a matron who would supervise the women, and for nurses to attend the sick and do what the matron ordered. They were instructed to attend to the sick, do the laundry and darning, cooking and other ‘womanly’ duties. They endured the same lifestyle as the men, including poor housing and food, with little or no payment. So began the era of using women to nurse the soldiers back to health or comfort them in their death.

History of Nursing A thourough history of American nursing

Army Nurse Corps History A history of the Army Nursing Corps

Nursing Uniforms thru History An interesting tour of how the uniform has changed

By the time of the Civil War, there were more than six thousand women performing nursing duties, including almost two hundred minority women. After the Civil War, Clara Barton became the first president of the Red Cross and traveled the country lecturing, but she was not the only woman who made a difference during those times. Many women made great sacrifices in order to further their cause, including such famous names as Louisa May Alcott and Mary Todd Lincoln.

Army Medical History Changes made throughout history in the Corps

Army Medical Corps The official site for the Nursing Corps

Spanish-American War and World War I

Due to the excellent service received by the armed forces from its nurses, the Army Nursing Corp, built with nurses who received official training for their duties was formed in 1901. Annie Goodrich became the first dean of the Army School of Nursing. In addition, army nurses were appointed rather than commissioned, and occasionally army medics balked at orders given by women. Due to this problem, Congress granted the nurses officer status, but they still received less pay than their male officer counterparts. It was during the Spanish-American War that Native Americans first began nursing duties for the United States.

Nursing America's Warriors This link talks about the mission of the Army Nursing Corp

Nursing Photos Photos from WWII

History of the Nursing Corps Why they served

 World War II to Present

At the beginning of World War II, less than seven thousand nurses were active, but within less than half a year that number was close to twelve thousand. By the end of the war, that number was near fifty seven thousand. Nurses were still the only females serving close to the front lines during the Korean War. During the Vietnam War, nurses were for the first time allowed to be considered for promotion under the same rules as men, and the first nurse attained flag rank. By 1980, almost all nurses had a degree in nursing, and they were on duty throughout the world. Today’s nurses have the same qualifications as a civilian Registered Nurse, and they no longer have to do the laundry and darning.

Facts about Army Nursing FAQs about the Nursing Corps

Go Army The official Army site