New Exhibit on Cornell University-New York Hospital School of Nursing

Medical Center Archives of NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell is pleased to present
an exhibit, Art and Science of Caring: Cornell University-New York Hospital School of Nursing in the 1300 York Avenue Lobby.

This exhibit is in conjunction with Cornell University's 150th anniversary celebration: 150 ways to say Cornell.

In 1877, New York Hospital established the New York Hospital Training School for Nurses at its second location on W. 15th and 16th Streets. Single nurses between the ages of 25-35 were admitted to the school. Many came from privileged backgrounds and had college degrees. They worked 12-hour shifts at the hospital providing most of the nursing care for the hospital. Their clinical training was supplemented by basic science courses.

In 1932, the medical college and hospital formed the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. The nurses had their own Nurses' Residence, on the site of the Helmsley Tower.
At this medical center, a collegiate curriculum was developed and the student nurses assisted graduate nurses in the wards.

In 1942, the New York Hospital school affiliated with Cornell University and was renamed the Cornell University-New York Hospital School of Nursing. The hospital continued to provide financial support to the school, and the university granted Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing to students. The school closed in 1979.

A supplementary exhibit in the Samuel J. Wood Library will feature those nurses who responded to the call for nurses in the Spanish American and two World Wars. New York Hospital organized American Red Cross hospitals in World War I and World War II.

We dedicate this exhibit to all of the alumnae, faculty, and administrators of the nursing school who have made a difference to the nursing profession.