Soviet Nightingales: Care under Communism

Susan Grant's book, "Soviet Nightingales," explores nursing care in the Soviet Union from its nineteenth-century origins to the end of the Soviet state. Nurses were crucial in building the New Soviet Person and constructing a socialist society, but the Bolsheviks failed to transform healthcare along socialist lines due to the struggle to train skilled medical workers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: Cornell University Press

In her captivating book, "Soviet Nightingales," Susan Grant delves into the intricate history of nursing care in the Soviet Union, tracing its origins from its nineteenth-century roots in Russia to the final days of the Soviet state. As the Soviet Union emerged, nurses played a pivotal role in shaping the New Soviet Person and constructing a socialist society. However, the early 1920s marked a challenging period, characterized by disease and illness, stemming from years of war, revolution, and famine. Despite the immense demand for nurses, the question of how best to serve the country's needs remained. Grant's insightful examination encompasses various aspects, including living and working conditions, nurse-patient relations, education, and international nursing cooperation. Through her meticulous research, Grant unravels the fascinating story of the Bolshevik effort to define the Soviet nurse and establish a new system of socialist care for the masses. While the Bolsheviks had ambitious plans to transform healthcare along socialist lines, their endeavors faced complexities and ultimately failed due to the entanglement of politics in the training of skilled medical workers.

"Soviet Nightingales" relies on extensive archival research from Russia, the United States, and Britain to provide a comprehensive account of how ideology reshaped the role of the nurse and shaped the profession. The book explores how the Soviet government sought to control and regulate nursing, emphasizing its commitment to social welfare and the provision of healthcare to the masses. It also sheds light on the challenges and struggles faced by nurses, including gender inequality, inadequate pay, and limited opportunities for professional development.

Furthermore, "Soviet Nightingales" delves into the personal stories of nurses who played significant roles in shaping the Soviet healthcare system. These nurses, often working in challenging conditions and under immense pressure, demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication to their profession. Their experiences and anecdotes provide a human touch to the historical narrative, highlighting the sacrifices and contributions of these women who worked tirelessly to improve the health and well-being of their fellow citizens.

In conclusion, "Soviet Nightingales" is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of nursing, healthcare, and the Soviet Union. Susan Grant's meticulous research and engaging storytelling shed light on the complex and fascinating relationship between ideology, healthcare, and society in the Soviet era. The book offers valuable insights into the role of nurses in constructing a socialist society and the challenges they faced in achieving their goals. It serves as a reminder of the importance of nursing as a profession and the impact that nurses can have on the lives of individuals and communities.

Weight: 28g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501763564