We are telling the incredible history of British Columbia’s Nurses.

A digital version of the 2019 photo book, capturing every pin in our archival collection, expertly photographed and designed by Anne Shaw.

Our mission is to discover, disseminate, and preserve nursing history in British Columbia.

In 1989 interested registered nurses banded together and formed the BC History of Nursing Professional Practice Group under the umbrella of the Registered Nurses Association of BC.

In 2008 the organization became registered under the Society Act of BC and is now known as the BC History of Nursing Society (BCHNS). The majority of members are BC registered nurses and nursing students, but membership also includes groups, nurses, researchers, historians and nursing students from across Canada. An active membership is essential in order to meet our goals.

Discover Our Story, Our Legacy, and How You Can Be Part of It.

Explore who we are, delve into our rich archives and exhibits, and join us in preserving the history of nursing in British Columbia.

Who We Are

We are dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing BC’s rich nursing history. Join us in supporting our mission and becoming part of our community.

EXPLORE

Our Archives & Exhibits

Explore a wealth of historical treasures showcasing BC’s nursing legacy, from photographs and artifacts to inspiring stories that shaped healthcare.

LEARN

Become a Member

Support the preservation of BC’s nursing history by joining our community. Your membership helps sustain our archives, exhibits, and ongoing work.

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Stay Connected to BC’s Nursing Legacy. Read our Newsletters.

Catch up on the latest stories, events, and insights in our newsletters. Click through to explore past editions and stay informed about the ongoing work to preserve and celebrate BC’s nursing history.

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From the Archives & Exhibits

Our archival collection, which includes a wide range of materials related to BC nurses and nursing organizations, was transferred to the UBC Library Rare Books and Special Collections in March 2022 and is now accessible to researchers and the public.

Monuments and Commemorations

Public monuments honouring nurses exist in various cities, including a famous statue of Florence Nightingale in central London and a well-known monument to Jeanne Mance in the center of Montreal.

International History of Nursing Conference – Vancouver 1997

The International History of Nursing Conference, held June 12-15, 1997 in Vancouver at St. Paul’s Hospital just prior to the meeting of the International Council of Nurses 21st Quadrennial Congress, was co-sponsored by the Canadian Association for the History of Nursing and the BC History of Nursing Group.

BC-History-of-Nursng-Archives-Community-Health-Nurses-Group-of-the-RNABC

Community Health Nurses Group of the RNABC (1978-2003)

The Community Health Nurses Group of the RNABC (Registered Nurses Association of British Columbia) was established in 1979. The need for such a group had been identified in the spring of 1978, when the Public Health Nursing Council (PHNC) was disbanded.

The Memorial Nursing Portrait Collection

This exhibit of portrait dolls was established in 1990. The purpose of this collection was two fold: first, to raise money for the History of Nursing Scholarship fund; second, to provide a visual lasting portrait to honour a friend or family member.

Feature Page of History

Mussallem, Helen Kathleen (1914-2012)

Britain’s Royal College of Nursing cited Dr. Mussallem as “Canada’s most distinguished nurse in her time and generation”. She was born to a pioneer family in Prince Rupert and graduated from VGH School of Nursing in 1937. Educated at McGill University and Columbia, she was the first Canadian nurse to earn a doctoral degree in nursing education. From 1962 to 1981 she was executive director of the Canadian Nurses Association. Among her many awards are honorary doctorates from six Canadian universities and appointment as a Companion of the Order of Canada.