Mary Wyche

Mary Lewis Wyche (February 26, 1858 – August 22, 1936) was an American nurse. She was an advocate of regulation of nursing practice and standards in North Carolina and is considered by many people to be the pioneer of organized nursing in North Carolina. Wyche created a successful objective in legalizing registered nurses in North Carolina, and wrote a book on nursing history. She was inducted into the American Nurses Association Hall of Fame in 2002.

Biography

Early life Wyche was born on February 26, 1858, near Henderson, North Carolina. She was the daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Hunter Wyche. Wyche had multiple siblings which included six sisters. Wyche graduated from Henderson College in 1889, and taught in the institution's primary department during her studies. Wyche is considered by many people as the pioneer of organized nursing in North Carolina.