The 128-page book, “"Luminaries of the Past: Stories of Fifty Extraordinary Nurses" by co-author MSJ alumna Mary Beth Modic explores the early childhood of 50 nurses and the imprints they left on the field to create a better world.
For over 100 years, Mount St. Joseph University has a long outstanding history in preparing women and men as professional nurses, whom provide quality, evidence-based care.
Mary Beth Modic, ’76 MSJ nursing alumna is excited to share the launch of her co-authored book with Joyce Fitzpatrick, Ph.D., "Luminaries of the Past: Stories of Fifty Extraordinary Nurses" celebrating the contributions of 50 remarkable nurses who made a difference in the world through transformational practices.
Unlocking the Inspiration Behind "Luminaries of the Past: Stories of Fifty Extraordinary Nurses"
The World Health Organization (WHO) had designated 2020 as the “Year of the Nurse and Nurse Midwife.”
While nurses everywhere have saved lives across the nation during Covid-19, Modic found it important to shed light on the impact of nurses throughout history. As a result, Modic partnered with Dr. Fitzpatrick, an Elizabeth Brooks Ford Professor of Nursing at Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University, and an American Academy Living Legend to bring to light an expanded view of nurses' work to inspire those drawn to the nursing profession. This includes their fight for better care of the sick and improved healthcare, different places they work besides hospital settings, and their campaigning for racial, gender, and social justice.
Thus, "Luminaries of the Past: Stories of Fifty Extraordinary Nurses" came to fruition.
“We wrote the book because we hope it will encourage children to consider nursing as a career worthy of their intellect and talents and inspire them to learn more about each of the remarkable nurses described in our book,” says Modic.
Shaping Healthcare Leadership at Mount St. Joseph University
Modic finds that her MSJ education was paramount to her development as a nurse, and was fortunate for having numerous opportunities for leadership while a student at the Mount.
“Two of the nursing faculty who were influential in my education were Ms. Karen Grigsby and Sister Vincentia,” reflects Modic. “They had a sense of the healthcare world and were dedicated to helping each student achieve a level of inquiry and competence that would allow her to make a significant contribution to the care of patients, families, and communities.
Interested in learning about transformational education practices in nursing? To purchase a copy of Mary Beth’s book, visit “Luminaries of the Past: Stories of Fifty Extraordinary Nurses” on Amazon.*
*All proceeds from the book are donated to the Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy Scholarship Fund at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, to support future nurse leaders.
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The Department of Nursing at Mount St. Joseph University has an outstanding reputation built on a century of educating nurses. Visit the Department of Nursing to learn more about our program offerings.