This study investigated the origin and implementation of school nursing in New York City, using traditional historical methods with a social history framework. The intent of this research was to produce a comprehensive historical analysis of school nursing at the turn of the 20th century in order to provide a historical framework to promote the work of school nurses today. Understanding the core fundamental concepts of school nursing from its origins and the significance of the emergence of community support for the role of the school nurse at the turn of the 20th century can inform current policy to back school nursing and school health today.