Nursing Education Champions

The nursing profession has been good to Anne and Ed Davis of Schnecksville in many ways. Married for 57 years, the couple met while Anne was studying in the library at Muhlenberg College for a microbiology exam. At that time the nurses took two semesters of courses at Muhlenberg. After graduation in 1962 from Allentown Hospital School of Nursing, Anne became a head nurse in a surgical area at the former Allentown Hospital at 17th and Chew streets.

“Nursing has changed so much over the years,” Anne says. “When I was a head nurse, I always wore a long-sleeved white uniform, my cap (which distinguished your nursing school) and polished white shoes. Today it is hard to distinguish the RNs. Nursing care has changed tremendously with no more backrubs and a.m. and p.m. care.”

Anne received a bachelor of science in education and nursing and switched her career focus to school nursing. Then, after earning her master of education in secondary and higher education, she again switched her focus to high school counseling and college admissions counseling. As a counselor she was frequently called upon to use her nursing expertise. As a school nurse she established a Future Nurses Club, which encouraged students to pursue the nursing profession.

“Once a nurse, always a nurse,” Anne says. One evening several years ago, Anne’s nursing education actually saved Ed’s life when she insisted he go to the hospital. An atypical bout of indigestion proved to be a symptom of something more serious. “When I was recovering in the hospital, I sent Anne flowers because I was really appreciative of her diagnosis,” Ed says. “Ed’s doctor praised Anne for her medical instincts. The doctor joked and said he wanted to marry Anne.

“Anne’s nursing background has given her great experiences and life lessons along the way,” Ed says. “We certainly owe the nursing profession more than we’ll ever be able to repay.”

The Davises sponsor two Friends of Nursing awards each year. The Friends of Nursing awards program recognizes outstanding professional nursing practices. Anne is a member of the Friends of Nursing Advisory Board, and she maintains her nursing license.

They are members of The 1899 Society and have Friends of Nursing in their estate plans. They want to continue offering Friends of Nursing awards in the future. Ed and Anne appreciate the hard work and dedication of nurses and the medical professions every day.