Then and Now: The VNS Health Nurse’s Bag… and Rolling Bag Backpack

In celebration of National Nurses Month, Frontline did some digging through the VNS Health archives that are housed at Columbia University. We unearthed some historic photos of a nurse’s bag, like this one from 1953 of a VNS Health nurse laying out the contents of her bag.

We also came upon this photo from approximately 1938, showing a display of the contents from a nurse’s bag.

85 years later, what’s changed in the supplies that VNS Health nurses take with them on home visits, and what’s stayed the same? Let’s take a look!

In 1938, a VNS Health nurse carried:

• Soap
• Paper Towels
• Isopropyl Alcohol
• Apron
• Start of Care Packet
• Gauze Tape
• Thermometer
• Bandage
• Scissors
• Forceps
• Tongue Depressor
• Syringe

Today, VNS Health nurses carry: 

As you can see, quite a bit has changed—but quite a bit hasn’t. One important thing that has not changed: the deep commitment and compassion that all of our VNS Health nurses show to their patients, members, and clients.