The occupation of being a nurse is equally as challenging and important as being a doctor. Ildaura Murillo-Rohde was the first who expressed this ideological belief and has changed the world of nursing today for many working in the medical field. According to her biography on the National Association for Hispanic Nurses(NAHN) website, Ildaura Murillo-Rohde was the first Latina to become a nurse in the United States and expressed her concern for the lack of representation in the nursing community, “I saw that I was the only Hispanic nurse who was going to Washington [D.C.] to work with the federal government, review research and education grants, etc. There was nobody else. I looked behind me and thought: ‘Where are my people?’”(Naledi Ushe). It was this realization that led her to create the National Association for Hispanic Nurses: which is a non-profit organization that was created to grant Hispanic and Latinx nurses access to educational, financial, and promotional opportunities. The NAHN is very active in the Latin community; its website shares valuable information on how nurses are offering guidance to those who might be suffering from obesity, chronic disease, or COVID-19.
Even after her passing, the NAHN carries on Ildaura Murillo-Rohde’s work of helping Latina nurses achieve their dreams to help heal the sick. The NAHN also hosts events and accepts donations to continue their work in helping more nurses have equal opportunities by organizing volunteer events to promote their cause and spread awareness about rising health concerns in the Latin community.
If you’re interested in learning more about the NAHN and how you can contribute, click here.
Something Latina is a vibrant community created to uplift the voices, journeys, and everyday brilliance of Latinas and women of color. Our mission is to inspire, connect, and equip our comunidad with the support and resources needed to rise, thrive, and empower others along the way.
