Rebecca Bergman: An International Nurse Leader (1919-2015)
Abstract
Greer Glazer, Laura Startsman, and Mally Ehrenfeld
Glazer, Ehrenfeld and Flanagan write to introduce a renowned nurse leader in Israel, Rebecca (Becky) Bergman, relatively unknown to nurses in the United States and elsewhere. Becky made a lasting impact on the nursing profession and her story will undoubtedly inspire nurses at any and every stage of their professional career. Her journey as a nurse leader demonstrates leadership, risk-taking and creativity, effective communication, inspiration and a clear vision to change the trajectory of the nursing profession in Israel and around the world. As the first nurse to be awarded the Israel prize (the nation’s highest honor), she broke down international, interdisciplinary and interprofessional barriers by accomplishing several feats including: becoming a World Health Organization (WHO) Consultant, Vice President for the International Council of Nurses (ICN), Chief Nurse for the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, establishing Israel’s first academic nursing program and supervising more than 5,000 beds at four hospitals.