This is the history of one of the largest nursing organizations in the world and one of the largest professional associations of women.

The Royal College of Nursing began as a small professional association in 1916. Its work included nurses’ education, professional policy and labour relations. It considers the history of nursing from political, social and economic points of view and sheds light on both gender relations and the position of women in the work place in Britain since 1916. The themes include the struggle to achieve professional status for nurses, the radicalization of nurses from the 1960s, the effect of immigration on nursing as a work force, gender relations within the profession and between nurses, their employers and other health professionals.

This book will appeal to anyone interested in nursing studies, gender history and labour history.

List of figures
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Introduction
1. Foundations
2. Consolidation
3. The struggle for influence, 1930-45
4. Nursing and the National Health Service, 1945-50
5. The work and training of a nurse
6. The 1960s: a decade of discontent
7. A professional union
8. Nurses, managers and politicians
Conclusion
Appendix 1 Timechart
Appendix 2 RCN membership 1916-2007
Appendix 3 Structure of College 1932-49
Appendix 4 Structure of College 1950-70
Appendix 5 Structure of College 1970-77
Bibliography
Index

Susan McGann Anne Crowther Rona Dougall