Nurse Managers

Before the 19th century, the care of sick and injured individuals was provided by concerned individuals who nursed rather than by trained nurses. They had not received the kind of training that is required for nurses today.

The first school of nursing in the United States was founded in Boston in 1873. In 1938, New York State passed the first state law to require that practical nurses be licensed. After the law was passed, a movement began to have organized training programs that would assure new standards in the field. The role and training of nurses have undergone radical changes since the first schools were opened. Education standards for nurses have been improving constantly since that time. Today's nurse is a highly educated, licensed health care professional.

Nurse managers have always been needed to manage nurses and nursing departments. They serve as an important link between health care management and nurses. In 1967, the American Organization of Nurse Executives, a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association, was formed as an advocacy group for nurses who "design, facilitate, and manage care." It has since changed its name to the American Organization for Nursing Leaderhip Today, and has a membership of more than 10,000 nurses.