History of Nursing
The history of nursing encompasses the story of the largest section of the health care workforce, in war and peace, home and hospital. It includes the nursing care of adults, mothers and babies, children, and people with a learning disability or mental health problem. Use this guide as a starting point to find information resources related to the history of nursing including books, journals, archives and exhibitions.
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Book subject searches
Journal articles
Journals
Exhibitions and Events
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Explore some of the past and present exhibitions at the RCN's Library and Heritage Centre in London.
View page
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Check our upcoming events.
View page
Special Collections
Historical Journals
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Digitised journal available online.
View page
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Viewable by appointment at the RCN Library and Heritage Centre.
View journal details
Archives
- Royal College of Nursing Archive 1916 – present. Search the Archives Catalogue (Ref No = RCN*)
- Personal Papers. Search the Archives Catalogue (Ref No = C*)
- Badges and medals. Search the Archive catalogue (Any Text = badge).
- Oral History collection. Search the Archives Catalogue (Ref No = T)
- Photographic collection. Images are available in the Archive catalogue (search Any Text = photograph)
- Postcard collection. Search the Archives catalogue (Any Text = postcard)
- Records of other nursing organisations. Search the Archives catalogue (Ref No = QNIS*)
- RCN Archive
- RCN archive catalogue
- RCN Digital Archive
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RCN Members can explore the records of past events, such as Congress and Annual General Meetings, using the Digital Archive for Members.
RCN Digital Archive for members - Royal College of Nursing Bulletin (1920-1926)
- Royal College of Nursing Annual Reports (1917 – 2017)
This subject guide relates to:

Diane McCourt
Editor of this guide
RCN Library and Archive Service
Upcoming events relating to this subject guide
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06 Jul 2022 Online
A History of Learning Disability and Human Rights
Find out why we need to understand the history of learning disability to ensure better support for people with learning disabilities today.
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21 Jul 2022 London
The Metamorphosis of Autism: A History of Neurodiversity
Join us in person or online for talks exploring the history and personal experiences of autism and neurodiversity.
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07 Sep 2022 Online
Downs: A History
Find out about the medical and social history of Down Syndrome in an online talk by Professor David Wright.
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13 Oct 2022 London
Hello, my name is... A Conversation with Learning Disability Nurses
Join us in person or online to hear about the lives and personal experiences of learning disability nurses.
Page last updated - 06/06/2022