Beatrice Monk
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Beatrice Mary Marsh Monk RRC CBE COSTJ | |
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| Born | 1885 |
| Died | 1962 (aged 76–77) |
| Alma mater | The London Hospital |
| Occupations | Nursing Leader and President of the College of Nursing |
Beatrice Mary Marsh Monk (23 August 1882 - 2 June 1962) CBE, RRC COSTJ was a nursing leader, Eva Luckes' successor as matron of The London Hospital, and President of the College of Nursing (now RCN).[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]
Beatrice Mary Marsh Monk, also known as Mary, was born on 31 August 1882 in the Wirral, Cheshire. She was the seventh child of at least nine born to her father John Monk, a farmer with 300 acres who employed 14 men, and her mother Elizabeth Isabel. Her father died before Monk was ten years old.
Nursing Career
Monk started her nursing career at the Hospital for Women in Liverpool.[2] In 1904 she began her general nurse training under Eva Luckes at The London Hospital in Whitechapel, East London.[2] After completing her training in 1906 Monk was a before being appointed assistant matron in 1910.
Whilst senior assistant matron to Luckes, Monk became House Steward which she continued until Luckes died in 1919 and Monk succeeded her mentor as matron.[2] Monk was matron of The London from 1919-1931.[2][3][8]
In 1931 she founded The London Hospital League of Nurses, and was appointed as first President of the league.[9] This league is one of the few remaining nurses league's in London.[10] Monk wanted to reduce nurses working hours, and supported a 48 hour working week.[11] Monk was founding President of the League London Hospital Nurses, 1931-1934.[11] Monk was actively involved in the National Council for Nurses (NCN), and was Honorary Treasurer.[11] She was also on the executive committee of the Association of Hospital Matrons and the council of the College of Nursing.[11]