Introduction:
Dr. ildaura Murillo-Rohde age was a remarkable Panamanian nurse, professor, academic, tennis instructor, and organizational administrator. She devoted her life to promoting the nursing profession, advocating for the health and well-being of Hispanic communities, advancing education and research, and mentoring future nurses and leaders. Her contributions to nursing and healthcare were numerous and profound, and her legacy continues to inspire and guide generations of nurses and healthcare professionals.
Early Life and Education:
Dr. ildaura Murillo-Rohde was born on September 6, 1920, in Panama City, Panama. She grew up in a family that valued education, hard work, and community service. Her father was a physician, and her mother was a teacher. Her parents instilled in her a love of learning, a passion for helping others, and a strong sense of cultural identity and pride. Murillo-Rohde attended nursing school at the University of Panama and graduated in 1942. She then pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at Columbia University in New York City, which she completed in 1946.
Career and Accomplishments:
Psychiatric Nursing:
After completing her studies, Murillo-Rohde worked as a psychiatric nurse at several hospitals in New York City, including Bellevue Hospital, the Manhattan Psychiatric Center, and the Brooklyn State Hospital.
She became known for her expertise in the care of patients with mental illness, her compassionate and respectful approach to their treatment, and her commitment to promoting mental health awareness and education. She also became a leader in the field of psychiatric nursing, serving as a board member and president of the American Nurses Association’s Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Division.
Education and Research:
In addition to her clinical work, Murillo-Rohde was deeply committed to education and research. She earned a Master of Arts degree in nursing education from Columbia University in 1952 and a Doctor of Education degree from Teachers College, Columbia University in 1960. She then joined the faculty of the University of Colorado School of Nursing, where she served as a professor and director of the psychiatric nursing program from 1961 to 1976.
She also held academic appointments at several other universities, including Yale University School of Nursing, the University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing, and the University of Miami School of Nursing. She authored or co-authored numerous articles and book chapters on psychiatric nursing, mental health, and nursing education and served as an editorial board member of several nursing journals.
National Association of Hispanic Nurses:
One of Murillo-Rohde’s most significant contributions to nursing and healthcare was the founding of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) in 1975. The NAHN aimed to address the disparities in health and healthcare that Hispanic communities faced and to promote the recruitment, retention, and advancement of Hispanic nurses.
Murillo-Rohde served as the NAHN’s first president and worked tirelessly to establish the organization as a leading voice in nursing and healthcare policy and advocacy. Under her leadership, the NAHN developed educational and leadership programs, conducted research on Hispanic health issues, and provided a platform for Hispanic nurses to share their experiences and perspectives.
