Did you know St. Vincent’s created the first nursing school in Alabama?
In 1903, St. Vincent’s School of Nursing graduated the first three nurses trained in the state of Alabama. After 87 years and more than 1,800 graduates, the St. Vincent School of Nursing closed in 1987. The school had faced increasing competition from baccalaureate nursing programs, which resulted in a decline in applicants during the 1980s. So the decision was made to simply respond to developing trends and needs. Graduates and alumni praised their education as second to none in quality and excellence of tradition. In fact, the first male student admitted in 1970, Jimmy Nix, chose St. Vincent’s because it “was the best school.”
Historical facts about the nursing school from St. Vincent’s archives.
1900s
St. Vincent’s School of Nursing was established in 1900, the same year the original hospital building opened. In the beginning, nursing students lived at the hospital and reported for duty by 7 a.m. after prayers and breakfast. They trained from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. all year long. During the first 70 years, only female applicants were accepted and they were not allowed to smoke, drink, or marry.
In 1903, Mary Agnes Thompson, Lucy Maquire, and Annie Leahy became the first three nurses trained in the State of Alabama.
1910s
In 1916, Hospital Administrator Sister Chrysostom Moynahan became the first registered nurse in Alabama.
1920s
Booming nursing enrollment in the 1920’s resulted in the new dormitory, Labour Hall, built on campus in 1926. The facility included classrooms, a library, meeting rooms, a gym, and a roof garden.
Students graduate upon passing the graduation exam after 3 years of training. There would not be a state test for licensing nurses until the 1930’s.
1950s
During the 1950s, the nursing school grew to a highly acclaimed program with a thriving student life. After-school activities included a basketball team with cheerleaders and an annual Spring Ball with a student selected as Miss St. Vincent’s.
In 1957 the nursing school became accredited by the National League of Nursing, and six different states were represented by the student body.
1970s
St. Vincent’s School of Nursing admitted the first male student, Jimmy Nix, in 1970 to ensure the new hospital was adequately staffed.
1980s
Laboure Hall was torn down in 1982 after years of disuse.
In 1985, the hospital announced the school was preparing to close down.
St. Vincent’s graduates last class in 1987. In all, 1,836 students graduated from the program.