Estelle Massey Osborne is a notable nurse in history, largely due to her major role in in fighting to eliminate racial prejudices faced by Black and African American nurses. She saw there was a need to support those who desired seek higher level of nursing education.

A significant milestone in her life, one that would impact future generations of Black nurses, was receiving her master’s degree in 1931 in nursing education.

In addition to earning her master’s degree, she was named as a consultant to the National Nursing Council for War Service during World War II. During this time, in an effort to further the progress of those seeking higher nursing education, she worked with nursing schools to eliminate discriminatory policies.

In 1945, Ms. Osborne became the first African American instructor at New York University in  the department of nursing. Ms. Osborne would go on to become President of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, forging relationships with the American Nurses Association, National League for Nursing, and National Organization for Public Health Nursing. She was also a member of the National Urban League, the first vice-president of the National Council of Negro Women.

In 1982, the Estelle M. Osborne Memorial Scholarship was established to honor Black nurses, annually, who were interested in pursuing a master’s degree.

Ms. Osborne is a shining example of a nurse who went above and beyond to pave the way for future African American nurses with a desire to advance their nursing careers. We thank her for her service.

Sources: Black history month - notable nurses throughout history - trusted health. (2020, October 29). https://www.trustedhealth.com/blog/black-history-month-notables-nurse-throughout-history.

Estelle Massey Osborne (1901-1981) 1984 inductee. http://ojin.nursingworld.org/FunctionalMenuCategories/AboutANA/Honoring-Nurses/NationalAwardsProgram/HallofFame/19761984/osboem5559.html.