March is Women’s History Month — a time to celebrate and honor women’s many wonderful contributions and achievements worldwide. As a healthcare staffing company, we at Oculus Health recognize the dedication, hard work, and compassion of women healthcare professionals, and we join the nation in acknowledging the contributions of phenomenal women everywhere.
In this article, we shine a light on some notable and inspiring women in healthcare history. We also provide helpful ideas on celebrating Women’s History Month in your respective healthcare organizations. Hopefully, in its little way, this article inspires you to honor women healthcare professionals and lift each other.
What is Women’s History Month?
Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s influences in and contributions to US history, culture, politics, science, activism, and the arts in the face of inequality and obstacles. What started as a week-long event in 1980 became a month-long commemoration in 1987.
According to the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA), the theme for this year’s Women’s History Month celebration is “Moving Forward Together,” which celebrates “Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.”
Notable and inspirational women in healthcare
To help inspire novice and experienced women healthcare professionals alike, we list some of the most influential and outstanding women in healthcare.
Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale was a British nurse, statistician, and the founder of modern nursing. During the Crimean War, which spanned three years, Florence was put in charge of nursing British and allied soldiers in Turkey. Because of her dedication and care for soldiers, she worked through all hours of the night to tend to the wounded and was affectionately and aptly dubbed “the Lady with the Lamp,” as she did her rounds even amid the darkness of night.
Florence was responsible for formalizing nursing education in London. In 1860, she established the first ever science- and art-based nursing school, the Nightingale Training School for Nurses at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London. Every year, we celebrate International Nurses’ Day on May 12 in honor of Florence Nightingale and her great contributions to nursing who was born on that day.
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African American woman to earn an M.D. degree in the US and the only African American woman to graduate from the New England Female Medical College in 1873. In 1883, she published a book, “A Book of Medical Discourses,” where Dr. Crumpler shared medical advice and guidance for women and children. Her book would be one of the first few books ever published by an African American in US history.
After the Civil War ended, Dr. Crumpler, together with other black physicians, cared for freed slaves who did not have access to medical care.
Dr. Virginia Apgar
Dr. Virginia Apgar achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first woman to attain the rank of full professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She also created the Apgar Score, the first standardized test that assesses breathing, reflexes, heart rate, muscle tone, and skin color to get a better understanding of the baby’s health. Dr. Apgar also earned a master’s degree in public health during her sabbatical leave and became an advocate for the prevention of birth defects by educating the public and raising money for research.
Ways to celebrate and honor women healthcare workers
We’ve compiled some meaningful and heartfelt ways healthcare leaders and professionals can celebrate women healthcare workers this Women’s History Month:
Host a talk with an inspirational speaker
Listening to uplifting and compelling stories from other women in the field and hearing them overcome the unique challenges and obstacles that come with the territory can inspire women in the workplace, boost their self-esteem, and empower them to achieve their personal and professional goals.
This Women’s History Month, healthcare organizations can invite motivational speakers that healthcare workers can learn from and help them find joy and fulfillment in their work. This can serve as an event that can empower women healthcare professionals in your organization to feel heard and build resilience.
Mentor a new healthcare professional
If you’re an experienced healthcare professional, consider mentoring new nurses in your facility. This is especially important since studies have shown that about 18% of newly registered nurses quit the profession within their first year at work. A 2021 study that involved the mentorship of new nurses in a unit showed that the new nurses gained confidence while experienced nurses were able to explore new career opportunities. The benefits of the mentoring program, according to the study, helped shape an even more attractive workplace.
The benefits of nurse mentorship and coaching cannot be understated. Not only will mentoring help support new nurses with their careers and help address the nursing shortage, but it will also drastically improve patients’ overall healthcare experiences.
Give heartfelt thank you notes
Sometimes, the simplest acts of gratitude and appreciation can be the most powerful and impactful. Take the time to write sincere thank you notes to women healthcare professionals in your life to recognize their dedication, passion, and big hearts, despite the many unique challenges they face daily. A unit full of gratitude-filled nurses experiences improved teamwork, self-confidence, and patient care outcomes.
We sincerely hope that these tips can help make Women’s History Month more memorable and impactful for our hardworking healthcare workers. Let us acknowledge our contemporary heroes in our own small yet sincere ways every day.
