Nursing history exhibit on display at SEMO

Southeast Missouri State University's Rosemary Berkel Crisp Hall of Nursing now houses an exhibit that chronicles the history of the university's nursing program. Katelyn Brotherton, a recent Southeast graduate with a degree in historic preservation, created the display to highlight the program, which spans more than a half-century.

Brotherton's project enabled her to meet the requirements to graduate with distinction from the Department of History and complete the Jane Stephens Honors Program. She leaned on the knowledge of Professor Steven Hoffman, the program coordinator of the preservation of history and historic preservation; Lily Santoro, assistant professor of history; and the chairwoman of the Department of Nursing, Gloria Green. Brotherton complemented that wealth of information with more research that involved scouring campus archives, the result of which is the exhibit that now sheds a light on the richness of Southeast's nursing program.

This program, as well as others, is essential because the need for people to enter nursing is growing. With that need come opportunities for employment, so exhibits such as this, which may ignite or encourage interest are beneficial for all involved.

Several nursing programs exist in the Cape area, including the Southeast Hospital College of Nursing & Health Sciences on William Street.

Three Rivers College, which first announced in 2012 that it would begin using funds from a MoHealthWINs grant to offer programs at no, or very little, cost is one.

The Career and Technology Center is training entry-level practical nurses.

The nursing field requires people who are well trained and well suited to tend to people who need it most. Programs such as the 50-year program on which Southeast prides itself play a big role in developing those individuals. Those considering entering the field of nursing, with all its opportunities and personal fulfillment -- as well as anyone who is simply interested in learning about the program's history -- should visit the exhibit and enjoy the history it captures. Not only is it open to students, staff and faculty, but the general public is also welcome.