Our History
Over a century ago, the Quaker merchant Johns Hopkins did more than provide in his will for the construction of a university and a hospital. He provided a vision for the first-of-its-kind, university-based health care center, one with a vital new aim—to create a learning, training and caring environment. He also directed that a nursing school be established as part of the institution.
For some 125 years the role of nursing has gone hand in hand with the Johns Hopkins mission to create a model for patient care in America. Our mission is not to simply practice nursing but to transform it.
Hopkins Nurses are Leaders
Since 1889 when its doors first opened, The Johns Hopkins Hospital has been recognized worldwide for its leadership in all areas of health care. The first president of the American Nurses' Association was a Hopkins nurse, and Hopkins nurses were instrumental in founding both The American Journal of Nursing and the Superintendent's Society, the forerunner of the National League for Nursing.
In an environment in which innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration are the norm, Hopkins remains today an acknowledged leader in the fields of nursing practice, research and education.
Hear our July 21, 2008 discussion on WPYR, about Our Shared Legacy.
Notable Dates
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The Johns Hopkins Hospital and The Johns Hopkins Hospital School of Nursing open.
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First hospital to institute the use rubber surgical gloves, inspired by nurse Caroline Hampton.
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The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine opens. Superintendents of Training Schools for Nurses are founded by Isabel Hampton, M. Adelaide Nutting, and Lavinia Dock.
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Nutting proposes longer training and shorter workdays for nurses to the Hopkins Hospital trustees.
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Nutting helps to launch the American Journal of Nursing. Nutting is appointed professor at Columbia University; she was the first nurse to occupy a chair on a university staff.
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The Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health opens.
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Fifty-three Hopkins nurses staff The Johns Hopkins Hospital Unit, a 1300-bed facility in war-torn France.
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Students' work hours are shortened to allow more time for study, paving the way for students to become degree candidates.
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Inspired by the nurses of 1917, Hopkins nurses leave for the Pacific within months of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
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Anna D. Wolf, Director from 1940-1955, forges new links with the University, making major inroads for nurses training toward University affiliation.
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Decentralized management system is adopted by the Hospital.
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Professional Practice Model concepts of shared governance is implemented on selected nursing units.
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Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing opens.
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Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing establishes its Master's Degree Program.
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Nursing Research Program is initiated at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
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Clinical Advancement program is implemented to reward and recognize expert clinical practice. The Center for Nursing Research is established at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.
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First Doctoral students are admitted to the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.
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The Institute for Johns Hopkins Nursing is formed through a joint venture between The Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Johns Hopkins Hospital University School of Nursing.
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The Johns Hopkins Hospital is awarded the first ANCC Magnet designation in Maryland.
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The Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing received the Sigma Theta Tau International Pinnacle Award for the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model and Guidelines.
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The Johns Hopkins Hospital is awarded ANCC Magnet Recognition again.