Norton Memorial Infirmary School of Nursing: History of Excellence

On New Year’s Day 1886, the Norton Memorial Infirmary School of Nursing — the first nursing school in Kentucky — opened its doors in Louisville. Over the next 90 years, more than 1,500 young people prepared for careers as registered nurses. Through the 1918 influenza pandemic, the Depression, the great flood of 1937, and two world wars, these dedicated students honed their skills. This book, compiled by four Norton graduates, takes the reader through major historical events, medical advances, vast cultural changes, and the evolution of the school. Other Norton graduates share their memories — from microbiology to bed baths and bedpans. Their profiles are sometimes touching and often funny, but always imbued with pride at being Norton nurses.

Testimonials

“Former student nurses who were there on site wrote this story — they made it happen and they remember. Some of our graduates are in their 90s now and one is 100 years old, and they have generously shared early information with our younger volunteer graduate authors who lived this history later. … [The story] comes from the words of our graduates, who will forever be known as ‘Norton nurses.’”

— Wade Mountz, President Emeritus, Norton Healthcare

“From the opening of the original Norton Memorial Infirmary in 1886 through to today, the proud heritage of its nursing department, indeed the Norton culture of nursing, has been a major reason for the hospital’s stellar reputation as a leading provider of quality care and caring to the tens of thousands of patients and families it has served. … This publication will be a fitting tribute to all those who began their nursing careers through Norton Memorial Infirmary School of Nursing.”

— Stephen A. Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Norton Healthcare