Call Number:

MC 158

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Barbara Bates Center for the Study of The History of Nursing

Extent:

11.0 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Mountainside Hospital School of Nursing (Montclair, NJ) records, Barbara Bates Center for The Study of The History of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1932-2008 (inclusive)

Creator:

Mountainside Hospital School of Nursing.

Form:

Hospital records and School records

Abstract:

This collection contains the records of Mountainside Hospital School of Nursing in Montclair, New Jersey. Materials include yearbooks, curriculum books, faculty minutes, and other administrative records.

The idea for The Mountainside Hospital began when Mrs. Margaret Jane Powers witnessed the fall of a small child from a third-floor window. She was horrified to learn that the child needed to be transported to Newark, the closest hospital, at least 5 miles away. The cottage hospital opened in 1891 with 38 patients treated in the first month. The first school of nursing began with a two-year program in 1894 and a class of three students. Information in the course of study included acting in an emergency, cooking, serving of foods, and a systematic course of training. It transitioned to a three-year program in 1929. To 1984, a total of 2,370 students graduated.

The Alumnae Association of the School of Nursing was started in 1905. A Sick Nurses Fund began, and in 1937, the Alumnae Association owned and incorporated the Montclair Registry to assign nurses to private duty cases offering 24-hour service. These activities were funded by many benefits such as ball games, plays, bake sales, and the like. The Alumnae Association hosted the graduating class, established a scholarship fund, and threw children’s Christmas parties, among other activities.

Information contained in this collection includes memoirs of students and didactic nursing materials. Additional information concerning the founding of the hospital and the Alumnae Association, as well as of the historical evolution of the city of Montclair from a township to the current city is included. The hospital and the school of nursing were important parts of this evolution. NLN self-surveys and their remedies included in this collection are examples of the administration and management of the school of nursing. A collection of year books from 1947 to 2010, Curriculum Books from 1996 to 2008, and Planned Program of Studies from 1998 to 2005 are included.