[The first laic school of nurses in Geneva (1896-1901)]

The foundation of this school is intricately bound to the socio-political and religious context of the turn of the century. Polemics about the implementation of the laic principle in the State and in public services led to the foundation of this school, which accordingly was opposed by some political parties, by part of the healing professions and by the religious-minded. As a reaction to the appointment of sisters of the protestant nursing order of Berne at Geneva Hospital, the new school was intended to form laic nursing personnel of local origin and high quality. The idea met with a cool reception by the population of Geneva and the school lived only for a few years.