Społeczne znaczenie Uniwersyteckiej Szkoły Pielęgniarek i Higienistek w Krakowie przed 1939 rokiem

The University School of Nurses and Hygienists – established in 1925 – was a direct continuation of the nursing school founded in 1911 through the initiative of socially conscious women. What distinguished the institution was its official status as an academic unit (studium) of the Jagiellonian University. From its establishment, the school was deeply committed to a deliberate formation of the professional nursing ethos. This process took into account the social dimension of nursing, promoting a holistic perspective on the health issues affecting Polish society prior to 1939. Through its collaboration with the Rockefeller Foundation, the school actively contributed to the development of new standards in patient care in Poland. Its broader significance can also be seen in its role in the professionalisation of women’s labor – an important aspect of the ongoing emancipation of women. By providing access to the professional qualifications, the institution not only enabled women to engage in gainful employment, but also fostered a sense of self-esteem by underscoring the importance of their work for the society.