Serving Indiana's RNs For More Than 100 Years

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100 Years Ago

March 4, is a major milestone in our history.  Exactly 100 years ago ISNA was formally incorporated by the Indiana Secretary of State.  We are the first professional nurses association established west of the Allegheny Mountains. 

ISNA’s first year was busy as several members drafted a bill requiring registration of all trained nurses.  Through daily lobbying and intense determination, ISNA’s all-female membership received support from the state medical association and many members of the Indiana House and Senate.  ISNA developed tremendous political clout even though women weren’t allowed to vote.  As a result of their efforts, Indiana became the sixth state in the nation (the first in the Midwest), to pass a registration law.  And, in 1905, the State Board of Examination and Registration of Nurses was established.

As we celebrate 100 years of service, please know that our commitment to registered nurses and passion for the nursing profession is as strong today as when E. Gertrude Fornier founded the organization.  ISNA continues to work on your behalf and remains a trusted voice for nurses in Indiana.

You can read more about the history of nursing in Indiana and ISNA in our new book.  For information on how to purchase your own copy, please visit www.indiananurses.org/news/history_book.htm.

 

Indiana State Nurses Association ▪ 2915 North High School Road ▪ Indianapolis, IN 46224
317-299-4575 ▪ 317-297-3525 (fax) ▪ webmaster@indiananurses.org
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