Book Trailer - The Diploma Nurse

A must read ...

Nostalgic, a time gone by, Jesse Glover Wilson gives an account of nursing in the 40’s – CBM

Jesse Glover Wilson, an “angel in disguise,” a Diploma Nurse, a career that spanned over thirty years from the 40’s well into the 80’s.  In high demand, nurses at that time were often overworked, overlooked and under paid, yet Jessie had a higher call, a call from God to minister to the physically, spiritually and mentally ill.  Experience her amazing testimony and memoir as a young nursing student during a time when World War II had begun, a time when hospitals were young, infectious disease was rampant, polio was destructive and young nurses were trained by the hospitals. With limited drugs and technology  this  nurse's "special touch"  often made the difference between life and death of the patient.

Heartwarming and endearing, readers will learn of the struggles during that era as women were often brushed aside, as politics between the Hospital administrators and Nursing organizations over control of the teaching of nursing emerged.  Such was an illustration of the real-life drama of the often misunderstood world of sexual discrimination.  This book presents historic facts that emulate compassion, work ethic and a firm adherence to the Christian faith, giving a glimpse of a time that has long gone by, presenting a window into the past that will enhance the future as one learns of God’s work through one individual. 

A highly recommended read to encourage and appreciate God’s goodness amidst the darkness of adversity.  Certainly, a story to not be forgotten. 

Author Press Release - The Diploma Nurse

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The Diploma Nurse: Her Shining Day, Her Fading Touch by Jesse Glover Wilson

Nostalgic, a time gone by, Jesse Glover Wilson gives an account of nursing in the 40’s – CBM

One woman stood strong to her call, blazing the way for others to come in her stead.  Jesse Glover Wilson, an “angel in disguise,” a Diploma Nurse, a career that spanned over thirty years from the 40’s well into the 80’s.  In high demand, nurses at that time were often overworked, overlooked and under paid, yet Jessie had a higher call, a call from God to minister to the physically, spiritually and mentally ill.  Experience her amazing testimony and memoir as a young nursing student during a time when World War II had begun, a time when hospitals were young, infectious disease was rampant, polio was destructive and young nurses were trained by the hospitals. With limited drugs and technology  this  nurse's "special touch"  often made the difference between life and death of the patient.

Heartwarming and endearing, readers will learn of the struggles during that era as women were often brushed aside, as politics between the Hospital administrators and Nursing organizations over control of the teaching of  nursing emerged.  Such was an illustration of the real-life drama of the often misunderstood world of . gender discrimination. This book presents historic facts that emulate compassion, work ethic and a firm adherence to the Christian faith, giving a glimpse of a time that has long gone by, presenting a window into the past that will enhance the future as one learns of God’s work through one individual. 

A highly recommended read to encourage and appreciate God’s goodness amidst the darkness of adversity.  Certainly, a story to not be forgotten. 

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Author Jessie Glover Wilson

The author lives with her husband, Ronald Wilson, in Bixby, Oklahoma. They are enjoying loving on four grandchildren. Her nursing career spanned nearly forty years in nursing education and nursing administration Her passions are her family, her faith, and her profession. She had a strong desire to share what life was like as a nursing student 60 years ago, believing it would be of interest to and an inspiration for the nursing student of today. Her love for the student nurse continues to be strong. She believes they represent the best of the best. Mrs. Wilson continues to be active in caring for hurting people. She Started a Grief Share Group Program ten years ago and is currently compiling stories about healings that she has experienced through this ministry. She and her husband are also Stephen Ministers at their church, helping individuals who are going through crises. She feels she has had a blessed life. Her joy is to hear from former students and instructors that she taught and mentored. she hopes this story will also show her gratitude to those who gave her a start that led to a wonderful career.

The Diploma Nurse by Jessie Glover Wilson

A memoir of the times when Diploma nurses were educated in Hospital schools of Nursing, amid controversy with the Nursing leaders, who believed this learning would be better in college settings. The author gives an historical insight to the way things were and how in her opinion, this diploma nurse was right for this time. Wilson was a diploma student herself, and also a nursing administrator and educator of both diploma students and the modern degree nursing student. Wilson gives a historical view of this unique era, lasting from the 1940’s through the end of the 20th century. She invites you to take this three-year journey with this diploma student. You will find it humorous and heartwarming. A product of the era, this nurse was unique, with a special touch of grace. Though she is now fading from the hospital scene, may her legacy be remembered. ~ Get your copy of The Diploma Nurse at Amazon.

ALTON — Nearly 100 graduates from the Alton Memorial Hospital School of Nursing returned to the hospital July 12 to hear one of their own tell their story. They came from Florida, Texas and Iceland. Some flew while others enlisted family members to drive them

across the country for this special occasion.

Jessie Glover Wilson, Class of 1950, has written a book entitled “The Diploma Nurse: Her Shining Day, Her Fading Touch.” From 1940 until the early 1970s, most nurses received their training in a community hospital setting. During their three-year, life-changing journey they learned, lived and worked at the hospital. Often a heavy burden of responsibility was placed on young students and many left without completing the program. But those who endured took great pride in their calling to care for others.

“This is a story that has been burning in my soul for the past 50 years,” Wilson said. “I must see to it that the diploma nurse story is honored and preserved.”

The group sat crowded and spellbound in the hospital cafeteria as Jessie told their story.“This is our day to celebrate who we were, who we became and our contribution to the nursing profession,” she said. “Though our journeys have taken different paths, the special touch we learned on these grounds lives on in those we cared for, taught or mentored. We are sons and daughters of the Alton Memorial family who have come back home to renew our kinships, reminisce good times, and honor those who made contributions to our lives.”

As the luncheon came to an end, nurses were happy to take home an engraved silver butter knife from the early days of the hospital and an updated directory that included e-mail addresses and Facebook information. “I hope you are never prouder than you are today to be an Alton Memorial Hospital diplomanurse,” Wilson said.

Wilson will donate a portion of the book proceeds to the Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation, giving back to the hospital where she began her rewarding career.

The book includes many references to the Alton area and can be purchased online at Amazon.com for $8.04 or by calling the AMH Development office at 618-463-7701.