Minnequa School of Nursing
Established in 1899, the Minnequa School of Nursing, an important arm of CF&I’s medical department, educated more than 500 nurses during its 50 year existence. The three year program of study trained young women in principals of disease prevention and hygiene, surgical and ward assistance and training in public health. Particularly in 1943, CF&I publications emphasized the need for women to relieve the problem of shortage of nurses nationwide. Throughout the War, the school participated in nationally sanctioned Cadet Nursing Program. Under this program, the United States Government paid the expenses of young women to train to become nurses, in exchange for a commitment to work in a military hospital or remain in civilian nursing after graduation. In 1946, a partnership with the University of Colorado began, merging the schools’ curriculum with university standards. The Minnequa School of Nursing closed in 1949 when the CF&I turned the hospital operations entirely over to the Sisters of Charity. Many young women continued their studies through programs offered at Pueblo Junior College, National Jewish Hospital in Denver and University of Colorado.
