Nurses, Iron Lung, 1958

Instructing nurses on the use of respirator for a polio patient, May 23, 1958

Nursing uniforms initially resembled maids’ uniforms and emphasized the subservient nature of their position. By the early 20th century, however, nursing schools adopted distinctive uniforms to foster professional identity. In this particular photograph, the nurses are being instructed on the use of an iron lung for polio patients.

(National Archives, General Records of the Department of Labor (174-G-30-1))
[See Also: The Iron Lung]