Over 100 years ago, the Charity Hospital in Natchez, MS, admitted its first professional class of nursing students. Thirteen years later, those visionary nurses saw the need to organize a state association.  In 1911 the Mississippi Nurses Association was formed.  The objectives of those first nurses were:  the advancement and regulation of the educational standards of nursing; the furtherance of the efficient care of the sick, the maintenance of the honor and character of the nursing profession and the promotion of cordial relations between the graduate nurses in Mississippi and the nurses of other states and countries.

In the early 1980s the Mississippi Nurses Foundation was formed to further enhance the work of MNA through education, professional development and research.  Together these outstanding organizations are the conduit for nursing’s growth in Mississippi.

The Center for Nursing, located in Madison, MS is a monument to the hard work of Mississippi nurses who saw a vision of having a place for all of nursing to come together. 

The garden concept came from nursing leadership who looked around at the beautiful surroundings and envisioned a tribute to those who contributed financially for the construction of the Center for Nursing.

Mary E. Stainton was a great part of that vision. Through her efforts and her generosity, the garden became a reality and was dedicated to Mary on May 6, 2000.  The names of those who contributed to this effort are inscribed in the bricks.  The hope and vision of nursing in Mississippi are symbolized in the red flame. It is indeed a place to come and realize the history of the organizations and to pay tribute to those who have given tirelessly of their wisdom, time and money to see a dream come true.  .