Mercy School of Nursing History

1900
The School of Nursing is organized by Mother Mary Agnes, RSM. Mrs. Catherine McKennon Fiss, is the first superintendent.

1903
The program lengthened from two to three years.

1905
From the Dubuque Enterprise of June 16: "Some of the special duties after acquiring the stripes are learning to serve meals, under supervision, and night work. The latter usually tests the nerve of the candidate and if she serves successfully through night work she is apt to finish the course."

1908
The Alumnae Association organized.

1922
Opening of the Nurses' Home

1923
Three classes admitted yearly. Students received board, lodging, laundry and stipends of $5.00 monthly after 3 months probation and $7.00 during the last two years.

1935
Classrooms and gymnasiums added to the Nurses' Home

1938
The School of Nursing from Clinton became a unit of the Dubuque school.

1941
School participated in the Cadet Corps.

1943
School of Nursing established as Division of Nursing of Loras College. B.S. degree conferred after completion of two years at Loras and three years at Mercy.

1945
Fourth floor added to the Nurses' home.

1953
Discontinuation of the Division of Nursing at Loras College. Arrangements made to purchase courses from Loras College. Mercy graduates were offered credits toward a B.S. in nursing.

1959
In accordance with the philosophy of the time, Loras discontinued the supplementary degree program for nurses. Purchase of courses continued.

1964
Arrangements with Loras discontinued. In fall of 1965, Clarke College offered certain courses. Program shortened to three academic years.

1970
Program shortened to two calendar years.

1973
Last class admitted to Mercy

1974
Area One Vocational Technical School assumed responsibility for last class. These students graduated in 1975 with an Associates Degree in Applied Science and a recognition diploma from the Mercy School of Nursing.