Nettie Birnbach, EdD, RN, FAAN
New York State Nurses Association
2010 Inductee
Nettie Birnbach began her career as a graduate of the Kings County School of Nursing, Brooklyn, New York, which led to her service in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps. Her curriculum vitae reflects her many contributions as a practitioner, educator, researcher and extraordinary volunteer with a great vision for nursing. Described as setting the ultimate standard of service, Dr. Birnbach served in many appointed and elected positions including president of the New York State Nurses Association and District 14.
Her exceptional commitment to nursing history is demonstrated by her involvement in the American Association for the History of Nursing, serving in many leadership positions, including president. Dr. Birnbach has generated a body of historical research that illuminates the profession’s evolution and development. One of her most significant and lasting undertakings is her doctoral research at Columbia University’s Teachers College on, “The Genesis of the Nurse Registration Movement in the United States, 1893-1903.” Completed in 1982, the study concludes that “despite the immediate beneficial effects
of registration, the major goal of achieving uniformity in educational preparation for professional nursing practice remains unresolved."
Dr. Birnbach, described as a renaissance woman by those who nominated her, has extended the profession’s boundaries and truly enhanced its services to society. Her many enduring accomplishments make her most worthy of induction into the ANA Hall of Fame.