Meet Edith Graham Mayo (via her Journal!) (In Person)

September 18, 6:30-8:00pm

$10* | In Person

Location: Assisi Heights (1001 14th Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901) Click here for map.

Edith Graham Mayo was the wife of Dr. Charlie Mayo and Rochester’s first professionally trained nurse. She graduated from Chicago’s School of Nursing for Women and Children in 1889. In those days, a new nurse took a job as a private duty nurse or worked in a doctor’s office. Edith had gotten a job working with a Chicago physician. But when she arrived for her first day of work, the doctor took one look at her and said “You’re too young and too beautiful,” and fired her. But old Dr. William Worrall had no qualms and hired Edith to be his office nurse. In time, he trained her to deliver anesthesia. When the Sisters of St. Francis were opening their hospital, Dr. Will lent Edith to the Sisters to help set up the surgery unit and train the Sisters to be nurses. Edith faithfully kept a detailed journal of her work. This presentation comes alive with Edith reading her journal, recalling the early procedures and techniques, how she accomplished her tasks and her reflections about nursing in Rochester. This program will touch your heart!

Diane Wrobleski is a nurse, a health care educator, an archivist, and a Cojourner with the Sisters of St Francis.

* Nursing students may attend at no charge. Please contact Bob at 507-280-2195 to register.

Welcome to this in person program at Assisi Heights! Please refrain from attending if experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or other illness or have been exposed to any persons infected with COVID-19. Please park in the lot in front of Assisi Heights and enter through the main entrance.