The medical profession is one of the most important career paths that people can take. Medical professionals such as Doctors, Nurses and Technicians all play an important role in care and treatment of patients. Since nursing first came into the public view, one of the most important roles that nurses had were aiding wounded soldiers during the time of war. During times of war, well-known nurses such as Clara Barton, Mary Seacole and Florence Nightingale among others, have stepped forward to care for the sick and wounded during wartime.
History of Nurses – The origins of nursing dates back several centuries. The first nurses were actually nuns and in the military, various personnel provided nursing services to the sick. Over time nursing became more professional, with formalized programs providing instruction becoming more common.
- American Association for the History of Nursing – Helpful site from an organization that discusses the history of nursing.
- Nursing History Resources – Resourceful site providing a number of useful resources about nursing history.
- Museum of Nursing History – Informative website which covers the various changes that occurred in the nursing profession.
- Army Nurse History – Information on the ways that women became nurses serving in the military.
Nurses in the Civil War – During the Civil War, the amount of wounded soldiers was a staggering amount. Without formal training, civilians took the cause and tended to the wounded soldiers. Famous civilians such as Mary Todd Lincoln and Walt Whitman were among the people who volunteered to help tend to the wounded.
- Angels of the Battlefield – Historical portrayal of the role that nurses played in the Civil War.
- Female Nurses of the Civil War – A look at the women who served the wounded during the Civil War.
- Civil War Nurses – Information on the military use of nurses in the War Between the States.
- Civil War Nurses Exhibit – Informative page from the Smithsonian showing a display honoring Civil War nurses.
- Diary of a Civil War Nurse – Educational information taken directly from the writings of a nurse during the Civil War.
Nurses in World War II – During the Second World War, professional nurses began to assist soldiers near the front lines. Medical hospitals run by the Red Cross started to use nurses during times of war. In addition, females were starting to be allowed to join the military in a medical capacity.
- Army Nurse Corps – Information on the origins and growth of the Army Nurse Corps dating back to World War II.
- Former Army Nurse, 100, Recalls WWII Experiences – In 1944, 24-year-old nurse Regina Benson and three of her nursing school classmates joined the Army Nurse Corps right after graduation to serve their country. They were assigned overseas and remained lifelong friends.
- U.S. Navy Nurse Corps History – Helpful page written by a U.S. Navy nurse during World War II describing her experiences.
- Women in the War – Overview of the jobs done by women during the Second World War.
- Cutting a New Path – Informative article discussing the obstacles that faced women during the war.
Military Nurses Around the World – Nurses in the military have been used to treat soldiers around the world for centuries. From the Crimean War to the War on Terrorism, nurses have played a huge role in the military.
- Nursing During the War (Photos) – Interesting site showing the work of English nurses during World War II.
- The evolution of military nursing – Information on the roles of nurses in the Australian Army during the War.
- History of the Army Nurse Corps, Beginnings to 1940 – The first nurses and first women in the military were appointed to the Army Nurse Corps on February 2nd 1901.
Nursing in the Military – Beginning in World War II, nurses became a more vital part of the military. Prior to World War II, nurses assisting military actions were civilians. However, during the War, females were allowed to join the military and become combat nurses.
- Nurses in the Army – Useful website giving an overview of the life of a nurse in the Army.
- Navy Nursing Careers – Official information from the U.S. Navy showing the medical opportunities in the Navy.
- Air Force Nursing – Information on becoming a Critical Care Nurse in the U.S. Air Force.
Famous Nurses in the Military – Some of the most famous nurses of all time have roots in the military. Nurses such as Florence Nightingale, Clara Barton, Mary Seacole and Dorothea Dix helped pave the way for the new generation of women in the military.
- Mary Seacole – Information about the Crimean War nurse.
- Dorothea Dix – Website proving biographical information on the famous Civil War nurse.
- Florence Nightingale – Biography of the work and life of the famed nurse.
- Clara Barton – Informative page on the life of the Civil War nurse and founder of the Red Cross.
- Annie G. Fox – Information on the Army Nurse Corps nurse who was the first female to win the Purple Heart.