essay

Three years later, in 1896, Isabel Hampton Robb founded the

group that eventually became the American Nurses Association

(ANA) in 1911. Originally known as the Nurses’ Associated

Alumnae of the United States and Canada, the initial mission of this

group was to enhance collaboration among practicing nurses and

educators.

At the close of the century, in 1899, this same group of energetic

American nursing leaders, along with nursing leaders from abroad,

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collaborated with Bedford Fenwick of Britain to found the

International Council of Nurses (ICN). The ICN was dedicated to

uniting nursing organizations of all nations, and, fittingly, the first

meeting was held at the World Exposition in Buffalo, New York, in

1901. At that meeting, a major topic of discussion was one that

would dramatically change the practice of nursing: state

registration of nurses.

Early nursing professional organizations reflected the segregation

that characterized post–Civil War America. Initially, minority

group nurses were excluded from the ANA. After 1916, African

American nurses were admitted to membership through their

constituent (state) associations in parts of the country, but southern

states and the District of Columbia barred their membership.

African American nurses recognized the need for their own

professional organization to manage their specific challenges.

Martha Franklin sent 1500 letters to African American nurses and

nursing schools across the country to gather support for this idea

(Carnegie, 1995). In response, the National Association of Colored

Graduate Nurses (NACGN) was formed in 1908 in New York with

the objectives of achieving higher professional standards, breaking

down discriminatory practices faced by African Americans in

schools of nursing and nursing organizations, and developing

leadership among African American nurses. After deciding they

had met their objectives, the group disbanded in 1951. The ANA

had by that time committed full support to minority groups, as well

as abolishment of discrimination in all aspects of the profession.