Hattie Bessent facts for kids

Hattie Bessent (born March 7, 1908 – died October 31, 2015) was an American psychiatric nurse. She was known for helping people from different backgrounds become nurses. She also worked to train and guide them so they could become leaders in the nursing field. Hattie Bessent earned her first degree from Florida A&M University. She then got a master's degree from Indiana University and a doctorate from the University of Florida.

Hattie Bessent's Nursing Career

Hattie Bessent had a long and interesting career in nursing. She first trained as a psychiatric nurse, which means she helped people with their mental health.

For 28 years, Dr. Bessent worked at the American Nurses Association. She was a Deputy Executive Director for a special program called the Ethnic/Racial Minority Fellowship Program (EMFP). In this role, she created many programs to help nurses and students.

Dr. Bessent also traveled to China. She was part of a group called the Commission for Friendship Treaty for Americans. This trip was approved by former President Jimmy Carter.

Throughout her life, Dr. Bessent taught at many different schools. She was a professor at Florida University and a dean at Vanderbilt University. She also taught at the University of Florida, Harvard University, and Edward Waters College.

Awards and Honors for Hattie Bessent

Hattie Bessent received many special honors for her important work. In 2013, she was named a "Living Legend" by the American Academy of Nursing. This is a very high honor given to nurses who have made a huge difference.

She was also a member of important groups like Phi Lamba Theta and Phi Delta Kappa. Dr. Bessent earned several awards, including:

• The Mary Mahoney Award from the American Nurses Association (ANA)
• The Linda Richard Award from the ANA
• The Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Black Nurses Association