History of Nursing
The history of nursing encompasses the story of the largest section of the health care workforce, in war and peace, home and hospital. It includes the nursing care of adults, mothers and babies, children, and people with a learning disability or mental health problem. Use this guide as a starting point to find information resources related to the history of nursing including books, journals, archives and exhibitions.
Books
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Book subject searches
Journal articles
Journals
Exhibitions and Events
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Explore some of the past and present exhibitions at the ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ's Library and Museum in London.
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Check our upcoming events.
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Special Collections
Historical Journals
The ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ Library and Museum holds an unrivalled range of English language nursing journals from around the world. The earliest issues date back to 1888 with titles covering a wide variety of nursing fields.
If you are a member of the ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ you have access to a of 22 nursing journals from the ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ Collection covering dates from 1891 to 1986. It contains information about nursing, hospitals, wards, staff, illness and diseases, medicine and treatments, hospital equipment and events.
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Digitised journal available online.
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Viewable by appointment at the ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ Library and Heritage Centre.
Archives
- ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ Archive 1916 – present. Search the Archives Catalogue (Ref No = ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ*)
- Personal Papers. Search the Archives Catalogue (Ref No = C*)
- Badges and medals. Search the Archive catalogue (Any Text = badge).
- Oral History collection. Search the Archives Catalogue (Ref No = T)
- Photographic collection. Images are available in the Archive catalogue (search Any Text = photograph)
- Postcard collection. Search the Archives catalogue (Any Text = postcard)
- Records of other nursing organisations. Search the Archives catalogue (Ref No = QNIS*)
- ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ Archive
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ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ Members can explore the records of past events, such as Congress and Annual General Meetings, using the Digital Archive for Members.
This subject guide relates to:
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Diane McCourt
Editor of this guide
ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ Library and Museum
Upcoming events relating to this subject guide
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26 Feb 2025 Online
Shaping Climate History: Planetary health and climate change (online)
An online talk on the history of planetary health.
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06 Mar 2025 London
In Conversation with Nursing Pioneers: ‘Dirty Nursing’ – Pioneers in transforming Women’s Health (hybrid)
In conversation with nursing pioneers brings together ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ Fellows and women’s health experts to explore how nurses have led change
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24 Apr 2025 London
Prison Nursing Unlocked: Exhibition Launch (hybrid)
Join us for the launch of a new exhibition on the history of health care and nursing in prisons, from the nineteenth century to the present.
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05 Jun 2025 London
History of Nursing Lecture: Jewish refugees and their nursing lives in WW2
A lecture by Dr Jane Brooks on the experiences and feelings of Jewish refugee nurses.
Page last updated - 17/09/2024