M. Helena McMillan (1869 – January 28, 1970) was a Canadian-American nursing educator. She founded the Presbyterian Hospital School for Nurses in Chicago and remained its director for 35 years. In 1907, she played an important role in the passage of the Illinois's first Nurse Practice Act.
Biography
M. Helena McMillan was born in 1869 in Montreal, Canada. She completed her higher education from the McGill University. She later enrolled at the Illinois Training School for Nursing where she graduated in 1894.
In 1898, she organized the Lakeside Hospital School of Nursing in Cleveland, Ohio, which later became a part of Western Reserve University. In 1903, she returned to Chicago and founded the Presbyterian Hospital School for Nurses which was affiliated with Rush Medical College (RMC).
In 1899, she became the member of International Council of Nurses. She served as the president of the Illinois State Association of Graduate Nurses. She held important administrative responsibilities at the National League for Nursing Education including the office of its secretary, treasurer, vice president, and member of the Board. She was also associated with American Nurses Association.
She died on January 28, 1970, in Boulder, Colorado, United States.