Claire M. Fagin, Leading Nursing Advocate and Change Agent, Dies at 97
In a sad turn of events, Claire M. Fagin, a pioneering figure in the field of nursing and one of the first women to lead an Ivy League university, passed away at the age of 97. Her son, Charles, confirmed her death, which occurred at her home in Manhattan. The nursing community mourns the loss of a remarkable advocate and expert.
A Champion for Change in Nursing
Dr. Fagin was widely recognized for her groundbreaking work in the nursing profession. In the early 1960s, she experienced a deeply frustrating incident when she and her husband were asked to leave the hospital where their young son, Joshua, was undergoing hernia surgery. Determined to challenge this practice, Dr. Fagin conducted research for her dissertation at New York University, highlighting the harmful effects of limiting parental visits to hospitalized children.
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Her findings drew significant attention and sparked a revolution in medical care. Dr. Fagin’s efforts led to a transformation in the treatment of children in hospitals, overturning the previous strict limitations on parental visitation. Her work as the dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing further solidified her impact on the field. During her tenure, she tripled the school’s enrollment, established a doctoral program, and propelled Penn to become a global leader in nursing research and education.
Legacy and Achievements
Dr. Fagin’s influence extended far beyond her role as a dean. She served as interim president of the University of Pennsylvania in 1993, making her one of the first women to hold such a position in an Ivy League university. Additionally, she contributed to the field of geriatric nursing as the founding director of the John A. Hartford Foundation’s national program. Her dedication to nursing education and research led to the establishment of the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at the University of California, Davis.
Dr. Fagin advocated tirelessly for the professional recognition and autonomy of nurses. She championed the importance of baccalaureate programs for registered nurses, emphasizing the need for advanced training and education in the field. Her efforts helped shape the current standards in nursing education, with a bachelor’s degree now considered the typical entry-level requirement for registered nurses.
A Life of Service and Impact
Prior to her tenure at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Fagin held various academic and leadership positions. She chaired the nursing department at Lehman College of the City University of New York and directed its Health Professions Institute. She also served as the director of graduate programs in psychiatric nursing at New York University.
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Born on November 25, 1926, in Manhattan, Dr. Fagin grew up in the Bronx. After enrolling in Wagner College’s nursing program, she discovered her passion for psychiatric nursing. She earned her nursing degree in 1948 and went on to work at Seaview Hospital on Staten Island, where she developed a particular interest in the psychiatric problems of children. Dr. Fagin’s dedication to nursing led her to pursue a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing at Columbia University in 1951.
A Lasting Influence
Even in her 90s, Dr. Fagin continued to advocate for the nursing profession and address the challenges it faced. In 2022, she co-authored an analysis with Dr. Linda H. Aiken on the burnout experienced by healthcare workers, particularly nurses, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their analysis highlighted the importance of adequate hospital staffing and proposed solutions to address the issue.
Dr. Fagin firmly believed that nursing was not only a science but also an art. She emphasized the importance of healing and the unique role nurses play in patient care. With her advanced degrees, academic positions, and numerous accolades, she proudly identified herself as a nurse, a title that held great significance to her.
The nursing community mourns the loss of a remarkable leader and advocate. Dr. Claire M. Fagin’s contributions to the field will continue to shape nursing education and practice for years to come.
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