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Nurses In History: Mary Breckinridge

By Hedrick Lepsch


Whether you are in nursing school to get an RN degree, or if you are just interested in some nursing education, you will be interested to learn a bit on the history of Florence Nightingale. One of the most famous nurses in history because of her contributions, she changed the face of medicine. Nurse Nightingale cared for her patients, but also saw fit to improve the sanitation of the hospitals she worked in. Learning about her life and legend will help you connect to the nurse inside of you.

Florence Nightingale emerged as a heroine during her care of soldiers during the Crimean War. Her service to the British army saved many lives, and the work she would do would save lives even after she was no longer serving as a nurse. She cared for her patients; being fondly called "The Lady with the Lamp" due to her many rounds during the night. She worked tirelessly to care and give to her patients. It was her reports to her homeland about the conditions in which soldiers were cared for. It was her insistence that proper hygiene was observed.

During Mary's years serving as a nurse in France, she saw many new techniques that she would take home. She trained and studied the healthcare system and found ways to meet the needs for women in rural America. She would take this home, to the mothers and babies throughout her home.

Leading the charge was her desire to learn. She attended the British Hospital for Mothers and Babies for training and instruction. Because the United States did not offer or practice the use of a midwife, this would be where she learned of this institution. This is the birthplace for the Frontier Nursing Service; after she had returned home to Kentucky she began a committee, which later grew into this service. Being widely religious, she began a school functioning as the nursing headquarters and an Episcopal Sunday service. The "Big House" was used for many years a midwifery school. Now those studying to be a midwife will appreciate her years of learning and training. Midwifery is a practice that offers care to women during their pregnancy and child bearing. Being able to assist mothers during the pregnancy, after, and between the many children is an honored career

Mary worked as a midwife, helping mothers and newborns. Inspired by the loss of her first child, a baby girl who was born prematurely. Her son continued to stock her desire to help mothers, when he was claimed as a toddler from appendicitis. Now midwives are commonly sought out for expectant mothers and even function for many women as their primary care provider. While her work was not life changing for all, as many of the other well known nurses of history - Mary was commemorated in 1998 with her face on the US Postal Service stamp. The series of Great Americans stamps was truly an honor to remember the changes for new mothers and their experiences.

In addition, Mary compiled a book of her memories. "Wide Neighborhoods" is still available though publication at the University of Kentucky Press. These books are still used to learn from for those seeking an RN Degree or just attending nursing school.




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