Nursing Vision: American Red Cross Nursing...a presence throughout...uplifting lives with compassion and special skills...competent and prepared...strengthening the organization with innovation and support...enhancing the Red Cross.
Background
Nurses have always been a cornerstone for the provision of services by the American Red Cross. Historically, Red Cross nurses have provided their assistance during times of disaster and conflict beginning with the 1889 Johnstown floods and the 1888 Yellow Fever epidemic. The Red Cross Nursing Service was formally established by Jane Delano in 1909. Red Cross nursing has also had a major role in the historical evolution of nursing and nursing leadership in the United States with many Red Cross nurses, including Jane Delano, Clara Noyes, Julia Stimson and others playing strategic roles in the development of American nursing.
Nurse Involvement Today
More than 30,000 nurses continue to be involved in paid and volunteer capacities at all levels and in all service areas throughout the American Red Cross. These activities consist of:
- Providing direct services: e.g. local Disaster Action Teams (DAT), Health Fairs, volunteer in military clinics and hospitals, blood collection team, first aid stations
- Teaching and developing courses: CPR/First Aid, Automatic emergency Defibrillator(AED), Disaster Health Services, Nurse Assistant Training, Babysitting, Family Caregiving
- Acting in management and supervisory roles: including Chapter and Blood Services region executives
- Functioning in governance roles: local board member to national Board of Governors
More Opportunities for Nurse Involvement
The Office of the Chief Nurse is responsible for supporting and strengthening paid and volunteer nurse involvement throughout the Red Cross, maintaining liaison with service lines, and for managing the Nurse Enrollment and the nursing field infrastructure programs. In addition, it represents Red Cross nursing with external professional organizations, educational institutions, and regulatory groups.
The Office is led by the Chief Nurse and the National Chairman of Nursing. It includes other paid and volunteer nursing and support staff including nursing student interns and a nurse historian.
For more information, visit the Student Nurses section or contact:
Office of the Chief Nurse
American Red Cross
2025 E Street NW,
Washington, DC 20006
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