Canadian Nursing History Collection

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Canadian Nursing History Collection

Wonderful collection of nursing items and artifacts...

Sampler of items available here. I've posted a few pics below.

Edna Muir, student at the Montreal Western Hospital School of Nursing, ca. 1917. Canadian Nurses Association Collection

In March 1917, Muir began her training at the Montreal Western Hospital. The influenza epidemic of 1918 was her biggest challenge. Following graduation, Muir worked in private nursing practice and, like many of her generation, left nursing upon marriage in 1921.

The hand rolled cotton swabs were found in Edna's uniform pictured above.

Thankfully all my bandages have always come prepackaged.

Medals Set. Colonel Elizabeth Laurie Smellie, First and Second World War. Canadian Nurses Association Collection

As military personnel, nursing sisters received military medals. This set belonged to Elizabeth Laurie Smellie, Matron-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps in Canada from 1940 to 1944, and the first Canadian woman to attain the rank of colonel. The medals, which reflect her service in both world wars, are the Royal Red Cross; the 1914-1915 Star; the British War Medal, 1914-1919; the Victory Medal, 1914-1919, with Oak Leaf (Mentioned-in-Despatches); the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal; the War Medal, 1939-1945; the King George V Jubilee Medal; and the Canadian Centennial Medal.

Oil Painting. Lieutenant-Colonel Emma F. Pense, R.R.C., by Grant MacDonald, Second World War. Canadian Nurses Association Collection

Pense was Matron-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps nursing service in Great Britain during the Second World War from 1939 to 1942. This portrait by Canadian artist Grant MacDonald depicts Pense in working dress with veil.

Syringe Kit. 1920s. Canadian Nurses Association Collection

Nurses were skilled at giving injections. This kit contains hypodermic syringes and needles of several sizes.

School Pin. Lady Stanley Institute School of Nursing, Ottawa, 1920. Canadian Nurses Association Collection

The Lady Stanley Institute School of Nursing was established in 1890 by Lady Stanley, wife of the Governor General. Unlike most hospital-based nursing schools, the Lady Stanley Institute was independent.

Cape. Nursing Sister Gladys Clark, Second World War. Canadian Nurses Association Collection

Dark blue capes such as this one, which belonged to Clark during the Second World War, were another distinctive part of the attire worn by nursing sisters in both world wars. The collection includes a number of such capes.

[GerberaDaisy]

Thank you for posting this NRSKaren! As a nurse who was originally educated in Canada ( in Ottawa, in fact!) I really enjoyed seeing it. I love reading about nursing history.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Glad you enjoyed the thread and links. Since nursing history is sorely neglected in nursing programs today, I am making an effort to post monthly a nursing history article with daily post during May's Nurse Week.