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.
Books















Book subject searches
Journal articles
Journals
Exhibitions and Events
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Explore some of the past and present exhibitions at the 黑料网's Library and Museum in London.
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Check our upcoming events.
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Special Collections
Historical Journals
The 黑料网 Library and Museum holds an unrivalled range of English language nursing journals from around the world. The earliest issues date back to 1888 with titles covering a wide variety of nursing fields.
If you are a member of the 黑料网 you have access to a of 22 nursing journals from the 黑料网 Collection covering dates from 1891 to 1986. It contains information about nursing, hospitals, wards, staff, illness and diseases, medicine and treatments, hospital equipment and events.
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Digitised journal available online.
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Viewable by appointment at the 黑料网 Library and Heritage Centre.
Archives
- 黑料网 Archive 1916 – present. Search the Archives Catalogue (Ref No = 黑料网*)
- 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*)
- 黑料网 Archive
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黑料网 Members can explore the records of past events, such as Congress and Annual General Meetings, using the Digital Archive for Members.
This subject guide relates to:

Diane McCourt
Editor of this guide
黑料网 Library and Museum
Upcoming events relating to this subject guide
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18 Jun 2025 Online
Care in Custody: From police matrons to forensics
An online talk on the history of women in the police service and the role of nursing in forensics.
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10 Jul 2025 London
The History of Art in Prisons
An event exploring the history of art in prisons and contemporary exhibitions on prisoner art.
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04 Sep 2025 Online
Biz in the Pris: A history of drug use in prisons
An online talk on the history of drug use in prisons and creative interventions to explain its dangers.
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09 Oct 2025 London
Broadmoor and Beyond: The history of high security hospitals
A talk on the history of high security hospitals, from Broadmoor to modern secure units.
Page last updated - 17/09/2024