Historical roots of cultural diversity in nursing: the New England Hospital for Women and Children.

This is an historical research about cultural diversity as it first emerged in early American nursing education and practice. The purpose of this research is to explore and analyze the unique philosophy of inclusion at the New England Hospital for Women and Children during the pre- and post-Civil War era. The methodology included the use of primary sources and a site visit to the New England Hospital for Women and Children, renamed the Dimock Health Center. The findings reveal that this institution was an early culturally diverse model for American society, nursing education, and practice. Seen through a prism, this institution provides a continuous source of historical pride in cultural diversity with implications for nursing education, practice, and research.