How Nursing Pioneers Inspire Change Today
Nursing is a legacy of resilience, courage, and advocacy.
Nursing is more than just a profession—it’s a legacy of resilience, courage, and advocacy. From historical figures like Henrietta Szold, Lillian Wald, and Mary Eliza Mahoney to today’s nurse leaders, the struggle for recognition, equity, and respect continues. Their stories are not just part of our history—they are a guide for how we, as nurses, can lead, advocate, and make a difference today.
Henrietta Szold
Henrietta Szold’s Visionary Leadership in Public Health
Henrietta Szold’s work speaks to the power of persistence and vision. In 1913, she launched a visiting nurse program in Jerusalem where nurses carried supplies in baskets and walked miles to reach patients in need. Despite resistance from male leaders who doubted her capabilities, she persisted and built the foundation for what would become modern public health nursing in the region.
“There is no ending that is not a beginning.”
Lillian Wald
Lillian Wald’s Model for Nursing as Social Justice
Lillian Wald left behind a comfortable life to live among New York’s urban poor. After witnessing a child’s preventable death, she established the Henry Street Settlement, providing not only nursing care but also education, job assistance, and advocacy. Her work showed that nursing is not limited to treating illness—it is about fighting the social causes of poor health.
“Nursing is love in action, and there is no finer manifestation of it than the care of the poor and the suffering.”
Mary Eliza Mahoney
Mary Eliza Mahoney’s Quiet Courage in Breaking Barriers
Mary Eliza Mahoney, the first African American nurse licensed in the United States, faced persistent discrimination during her training. She was often assigned the most menial tasks and was overlooked for advancement. Yet, she completed her training when only four out of 42 students graduated. She later co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses to fight for equality and inclusion.
“Work more and better the coming year than the previous one.”
Rebecca Lee Crumpler
Rebecca Lee Crumpler’s Dedication to Healing Freed Slaves
After the Civil War, Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first African American female physician, moved to Richmond to care for newly freed slaves. She faced racism from white doctors and skepticism from patients but continued her work, documenting her experiences in A Book of Medical Discourses to pass her knowledge on to others.
“I early conceived a liking for, and sought every opportunity to be in a position to relieve the sufferings of others.”
Sister Elizabeth Kenny
Elizabeth Kenny’s Battle Against Polio Treatment Norms
Elizabeth Kenny’s work with polio patients in the 1930s challenged the medical establishment. Her innovative approach, which emphasized muscle stimulation and movement over immobilization, was initially dismissed. Over time, her clinics demonstrated such success that her methods became widely adopted, revolutionizing polio rehabilitation.
“He who angers you conquers you.”
Virginia Apgar
Virginia Apgar’s Game-Changing Apgar Score
Virginia Apgar developed the Apgar Score to quickly assess a newborn’s health. When she first proposed this system, it was dismissed as unnecessary by many of her male colleagues. Her persistence and data-driven approach proved its effectiveness, and today, the Apgar Score is a standard tool in neonatal care worldwide.
“Nobody, but nobody, is going to stop breathing on me.”
Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail
Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail’s Advocacy for Native Health
As one of the first Native American registered nurses, Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail fought for equitable healthcare for Native communities. She documented and exposed abuses within Indian Health Services, including forced sterilizations, and her advocacy led to significant reforms in the care provided to Indigenous populations.
“My greatest reward is to see my people get the health care they need and deserve.”
Adah Belle Samuels Thoms
Adah Belle Samuels Thoms’ Campaign for Equality in Nursing
Adah Belle Samuels Thoms was instrumental in breaking racial barriers in nursing. She led the campaign for the inclusion of African American nurses in the Army Nurse Corps during World War I. Her efforts resulted in the first opportunities for Black nurses to serve their country in military roles.
“The world must learn that colored nurses are a vital part of the nursing profession.”
Modern Voices Carry the Legacy Forward
Today’s nursing leaders are continuing this legacy of advocacy and change. Bonnie Castillo, as Executive Director of National Nurses United, has led national efforts for safe staffing ratios, personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, and healthcare reform. She has shown that nurses are not just caregivers—they are essential advocates and organizers for justice in healthcare.
Ernest Grant, as former President of the American Nurses Association, has been a strong voice for workplace safety, diversity, and mental health support for nurses. His leadership during the pandemic highlighted the systemic changes needed to protect and empower nurses.
Zenei Cortez, co-president of California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, has championed legislation for safe nurse-to-patient ratios and improved working conditions. Her work has helped to establish national standards for nurse safety and advocacy.
These modern leaders are not just speaking out—they are shaping policies and practices that make healthcare safer and more equitable for everyone. Their actions mirror the courage and determination of the pioneers who came before them.
The Legacy Lives On
These trailblazing women did not just make history—they redefined what it means to care, to lead, and to fight for justice. Their stories remind us that the fight for respect and equity in nursing is not over. Whether we are studying for the NCLEX or advocating for safer staffing on our units, we are part of this legacy. We carry their torch forward.
What’s one way you will honor their legacy? Share your thoughts, take action, and continue the work they started.
You CAN do this!
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