Donated by Doris Perry
U.S. Cadet Nurse Coat
Wool
1944

The United States Cadet Nurse Corps (1943-1948) was a program established by the Federal government. Its primary purpose was to ensure that the United States had enough nurses to care for the needs of its citizens on both the home and war fronts. The results of the Cadet Nurse Corps included a dramatic rise in the number of nursing students, a greater public recognition of nurses, and changes in the manner in which nurses were educated and trained.

This winter topcoat or reefer coat, one piece of the official winter uniform, is made of gray velour and belonged to central Ohio nurse, Doris Perry. The coat is closed with four silver-coated buttons featuring the official device of the U.S. Public Health Service. The topcoat has two slit pockets and red epaulets. The sleeve insignia of the Cadet Nurse Corps is sewn on the left sleeve. The back is belted.