HISTORY

In 1890 the Memorial Hospital and House of Mercy of St. Timothy's Church, Roxborough, was incorporated as a seven-bed institution, a gift of John Vaughn Merrick and his wife. In a history prepared for the hospital, it was stated that the hospital's mission was the following: To provide surgical aid and nursing for patients suffering from injuries, and medical aid and nursing for sick persons who could be properly cared for in their own home; to visit the sick and suffering their own homes and afford them relief; to care for and train young children; to receive and give proper care of persons who are convalescent, and to instruct and train women in the duties of nursing and attending upon the sick and disabled.

In 1896, the hospital name was changed to St. Timothy's Memorial Hospital and House of Mercy, Roxborough, and in 1920 its name was again changed to Memorial Hospital, Roxborough.

On December 28, 1898, a formal two-year nursing training school was organized as an extension of this commitment. Mrs. Kathryn Ashton Taylor, a graduate of Philadelphia General Hospital, was the school's first superintendent.

There were five graduates in the first class of 1901.

During the Depression, for financial reasons, the school was closed from 1933-1945. The school was reorganized and reopened for students in Fall 1946.

In 1970 the School of Nursing Council and advisory committee of the Board of Trustees instituted a fully paid scholarship program for "mature" women residing in the community. The program was the impetus for many community members to pursue a professional career and was subsequently altered to extend its provisions to men.

In 1986, the School of Nursing changed its collegiate affiliation from Penn State University to Eastern College, and for the first time, students had the option of receiving an Associate Degree in Science from Eastern College as well as their diploma from Roxborough Memorial Hospital School of Nursing.

Based on changes in the curriculum, the program varied in length from two to three years. The special needs of the elderly population were incorporated into the students' education beginning in the late 1960's. Changes in the population base and students' needs influenced the most recent curriculum changes.

In 1992, after extensive research and planning, the program was decreased to 21 months. The decision to change the program was partially based on the advanced academic placement of its adult learners.

Today, approximately 70% of entering students have multiple college credits or existing degrees.The new program permits more individualized choices for students. The new curriculum has ensured a capable, well qualified and enthusiastic student body of men and women meeting the healthcare challenges of today and the future.