Happy 100th birthday, Washington state nursing profession! Come celebrate at the “Nurses at Your Service: A Century of Caring” exhibit at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma and see how much the nursing profession has developed over the past century, from nursing fashion and technology to how the University of Washington has played a vital role in nursing education.

The exhibit is in a small room on the fifth floor of the museum. Although it is a compact exhibit, it is full of interesting facts, glass displays of various related material, and an actual copy of Florence Nightingale’s “Notes on Nursing.” Learn about how historic economic crises and racial tensions played a role in the almost demise of the nursing profession, learn how the educational curriculum advanced at the University of Washington because of the need for more educated nurses, and learn how at one point nursing was an underground service.

The exhibit commemorates the first nurses’ examining board, now called the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, which established laws in 1909 requiring nurses in Washington to meet specific education requirements, pass an examination, and apply to be a registered nurse. Just 10 years after Washington became a state, the state legislature passed the first Nurse Practice Act and has held nurses in Washington to the highest standards ever since. This is just the beginning of the birth of the nursing profession. Presented in an intimate atmosphere with easily readable facts and interesting displays with photos, “Nurses at Your Service: A Century of Caring” is worth the visit.

Also, check out some of the other exhibits on display: “Washington Then & Now,” “Women’s Votes, Women’s Voices,” and “With Our Hands: World Folk Arts of Washington.” See how much the state of Washington has changed culturally, politically, and naturally. And do not forget to visit the museum’s store where you can buy book versions of some of these displays, and bring the experience to your home.

Museum operating hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays noon-5 p.m., and extended hours with free admission every third Thursday from 2-8 p.m., closed Mondays. Admission is $25 for families (two adults and up to four children); $8 for adults; $7 for seniors, age 60 and above; $6 for students and military with valid identification; children age 5 and below and museum members always get in free.

“Nurses at Your Service: A Century of Caring” is provided by the Washington State History Museum and the Washington State Nursing Centennial Consortium. For more information, visit http://washingtonhistory.org or call (888) BE-THERE.