June 20, 2003

Family of visionary leader in nursing visits MGH

Ruth Sleeper, RN, truly was ahead of her time. As director of MGH Nursing and the former MGH School of Nursing from1946 to 1966, she helped pave the way for the advancement of the nursing profession. Known for her countless contributions to education and research, Sleeper earned a reputation as an icon in the field of nursing here at the MGH and across the country.

Recognizing this visionary leader, the MGH paid tribute to Sleeper (left) at a reception June 13, attended by Sleeper's niece, Nancy Sleeper Kolbe, and Sleeper Kolbe's three daughters. The reception offered the opportunity for family members, friends and former colleagues to reminisce about their friend and mentor. One former student described Sleeper as "the embodiment of professionalism, dignity and grace."

Sleeper's commitment to the importance of academic education in nursing to advance clinical practice and patient care led to the affiliation between the MGH School of Nursing and Radcliffe College in 1945. She helped transform nursing education by expanding classroom instruction, and she developed a curriculum that combined nine months of practical training in the hospital with 28 months of academic classes. Now, such practices are considered standard nurse training, but this combination was revolutionary at the time.

Sleeper also was a pioneer in the field of nursing research. Throughout her impressive career, she conducted many studies for the purpose of increasing educational opportunities for student nurses and improving and simplifying nursing care to patients.

Sleeper's legacy reaches far beyond the walls of the MGH. She was a respected national leader and the first president of the National League for Nursing. In 1959, she was awarded the prestigious Florence Nightingale Award, which honors nurses for their outstanding contributions to nursing and their devotion to caring for others.

Sleeper's family gathers at the MGH for a special tribute.

At the reception, Jeanette Ives Erickson, RN, MS, senior vice president for Patient Care Services and chief nurse, presented Sleeper Kolbe with a plaque honoring her aunt and her legacy at the MGH. "We were always proud of her," said Sleeper Kolbe. "Even when I was a little girl, we knew she was special."