The First School Nurse

Lina Rogers Struthers is credited by historians as being America’s first school nurse. Just over a century ago, she helped reduce school absenteeism stemming from communicable diseases in New York City. Her work quickly led to the employment of school nurses across the country. As more nurses were hired, the role of the school nurse expanded to include an emphasis on student wellness, disease prevention and health education, not only for the student, but for family members and the community at large.

The superintendent of nurses, Ms. Lina Rogers, inspecting school children.

Origin of School Health Services & School Nursing in America http://www.nasn.org/about/100year_LinaRogers.htm

School Nurses Celebrate 100 Years http://www.nursezone.com/student_nurse_center/default.asp?articleID=9481