Tag: Karen J. Egenes
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Alice Fisher: A Nightingale in Philadelphia
Karen EgenesCentennial, Colorado, United States In 1883, the board of the Guardians of the Poor, the administrators of the Philadelphia almshouse, faced a dilemma. The institution, founded in 1732 and often referred to as “Old Blockley,” was a combination of an almshouse for paupers, workhouse for vagrants, jail for criminals, asylum for the insane, and…
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Can a nurse ensure a legacy?
Karen EgenesCentennial, Colorado, United States The value of nurses is recognized most often during times of crisis, such as a pandemic or natural disaster. At other times, the work of nurses is unknown to the general public. Nurses who served in World War II describe their work in battle zones, then add the comment that…
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Nursing during the US Civil War: A movement toward the professionalization of nursing
Karen EgenesChicago, Illinois, United States In April 1861, there was no organized medical corps or field hospital services. In addition, there was no provision for military nurses. At the time, there were no nursing schools, no “trained” nurses, and no nursing credentials. The title “nurse” was also rather vague, and could refer to a woman…