Where was the first visiting nurse service in the United States formed?

The first visiting nurse service in the United States was established in Philadelphia. This pioneering effort was initiated in 1885 by the Henry Street Settlement, which aimed to provide health care and improve the living conditions of the underprivileged in urban areas. The establishment of this service marked a significant development in public health and nursing, as it recognized the importance of delivering care directly in the homes of patients, especially those who were unable to access traditional healthcare facilities.

The initiative in Philadelphia was instrumental in shaping the role of nurses and the practice of nursing in community settings, providing a model that was later adopted by other cities and organizations across the country. By focusing on home health care, this service laid the groundwork for the visiting nurse movement, emphasizing preventive care and education in managing health issues within the community.