Celebrating historical nurses

Luther Parmalee Christman was an American nurse, professor of nursing, university administrator and advocate for gender and racial diversity in nursing. As a man in a female-dominated profession, it did not take long for him to appreciate what being part of the minority meant. Christman, however, was undeterred and worked tenaciously to implement radical and innovative ideas in nursing education and practice. Throughout his 65 years' nursing career, Luther Christman was a champion for improving professional nursing practice and elevating the educational level of the nursing profession.

In 1967, Christman became the first man to hold the position of dean at a nursing school – the Rush University College of Nursing. His name is often linked to the “Rush Model,” a unified approach to nursing education and practice that continues to set new standards of excellence in the United States and abroad.

Christman also helped establish the National Male Nurse Association in 1974, which became the American Assembly for Men in Nursing in 1981. He was a strong supporter for the recruitment of male nurses, believing that diversity could make the nursing profession stronger.

After his 1987 retirement, Christman received several awards and honors for his contributions to nursing.

“Knowledge is power, and professional practice means a lifetime commitment to learning.”

Luther Christman(26 FEBRUARY 1915 – 7 JUNE 2011)

and midwives

Celebrating historical nurses

Photo courtesy of Vanderbilt University School of NursingAuthorised by B.Holmes. General Secretary, NSWNMA