Anna DeCosta Banks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anna DeCosta Banks
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| Born | September 2, 1869 Charleston, South Carolina |
| Died | November 29, 1930 |
| Education | Hampton Institute, 1891 Hampton Institute Dixie Hospital of Nursing, 1895 |
| Occupation | Nurse |
Anna DeCosta Banks (born September 2, 1869 – died November 29, 1930) was an important nurse from Charleston, South Carolina. She was the very first head nurse at a special hospital and training school. Later, she became the superintendent of nurses there for 32 years! This hospital was created for women of color. It was later renamed McClennan-Banks Memorial Hospital to honor her.
Early Life and Learning
Anna DeCosta Banks was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on September 2, 1869. She went to public schools in Charleston when she was young.
In 1891, she finished her studies at Hampton Institute in Virginia. This school is now called Hampton University. Anna was one of the first students to get a diploma from there. After that, she joined Hampton's Dixie Hospital of Nursing. She was also one of the first people to graduate from this nursing school.
Her Amazing Nursing Career
Anna DeCosta Banks became the first head nurse at the Hospital and Training School for Nurses. This hospital was in Charleston, South Carolina, on Cannon Street. It later changed its name to McClennan-Banks Memorial Hospital.
She then became the Superintendent of Nurses. This was a very important job, and she held it for 32 years! Anna worked hard to make healthcare fair for African Americans. She cared for many people who didn't have much money. She only asked them to pay for their food and medicine.
In 1899, Anna wrote an article about problems faced by African-American nurses. At that time, segregation meant nurses of color couldn't work everywhere. Anna explained why hospitals needed money and help. This would allow them to train more African-American nurses.
Anna also worked as a visiting nurse for the Ladies Benevolent Society in Charleston. She did this for 24 years. She also helped the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company by talking to black policyholders.
Her Family Life
Anna DeCosta Banks was the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth DeCosta. She married Issiah Banks. In 1889, they had a daughter named Evangeline Banks Harrison in Hampton, Virginia. Evangeline later worked at McClennan-Banks Memorial Hospital. She was the Medical Records Librarian at the hospital partly named after her mother.
Her Lasting Impact
When Anna Banks passed away, people said she was "blessed" by everyone. She made a huge difference in nursing in South Carolina. The Medical University of South Carolina even named a part of their hospital after her.
Anna Banks died in 1930. She was known as the oldest nurse still working in South Carolina at that time. The Hospital and Training School for Nurses was renamed McClennan-Banks Hospital in her honor. This hospital closed in 1977.
