Florence Edmonds facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Florence Edmonds
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Portrait of Florence Edmonds
|
|
| Born |
Florence Jacobs
March 27, 1890 |
| Died | 1983 (Age 94) |
| Occupation | Nurse Teacher Healthcare Administrator |
Florence Edmonds (1890-1983) was an amazing woman who worked as a nurse, a teacher, and a healthcare leader. She helped many people throughout her life.
Contents
Who Was Florence Edmonds?
Florence Edmonds was born in 1890 and lived until 1983. She was known for her dedication to helping others. She worked hard to become a nurse and made a big difference in her community.
Early Life and Education
Florence Jacobs was born and grew up in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Her grandfather was Reverend Samuel Harrison. He was an important leader who started the Second Congregational Church.
Florence was a very bright student. In 1908, she was the valedictorian of her class at Pittsfield High School. This means she was the top student in her graduating class.
Becoming a Nurse
During World War I, Florence wanted to become a nurse. However, a local hospital in Pittsfield did not accept her for training. But Florence did not give up!
In 1917, she moved to New York City. There, she was able to join a three-year nursing program. She studied at the Lincoln Hospital and Home Training School for Nurses. After finishing her nursing course, she earned a special scholarship. This scholarship allowed her to study hospital social service at Columbia University.
Working as a Nurse
After she finished her studies, Florence began working. She joined the Henry Street Settlement. This organization had visiting nurses who helped people in their homes.
Returning to Pittsfield
In 1922, Florence married William Bailey Edmonds. A few years later, in 1926, they moved back to her hometown of Pittsfield. They had four children together.
When she returned to Pittsfield, it was hard for her to find nursing work. She felt that the town was not ready for a Black registered nurse at that time. So, she started sewing from home to help her family earn money.
Later Career and Recognition
In the 1940s, Florence Edmonds started looking for nursing work again. During World War II, she taught classes on home nursing for the American Red Cross.
In 1945, she joined the Pittsfield Visiting Nurse Association. She also became a secretary for a group of nurses in Massachusetts. From 1956 to 1968, Florence worked at Pittsfield General Hospital. She helped organize health programs and taught nursing classes part-time.
In 1962, Florence Edmonds was honored by the Women's Club in Pittsfield. They named her "Mother of the Year." This shows how much her community respected her.
