Sophia French Palmer

1853-1920

Sophia Palmer born Milton MA on 28 May 1853.

Sophia French Palmer was an influential nursing pioneer. An administrator and educator, she is best known as the first editor of the American Journal of Nursing. During the first twenty years of the journal Palmer's forceful editorials addressed critical issues and promoted change. She was a leader in the development of nursing organizations and in the movement to secure state regulation of nursing. Palmer was elected the president of the first Board of Nurse Examiners, and was the first to suggest the appointment of inspectors of training schools. Sophia Palmer championed the needs of the individual nurse while shaping the foundation on which the profession was built.  (Extracted from "The Bellevue Alumnae Center for History, Limited Edition Nursing Pins.")