Anna Reynvaan

Anna Reynvaan (1844–1920), was a Dutch nurse and a pioneer within the nursing profession in The Netherlands.

Reynvaan was the first professionally trained nurse in The Netherlands.[1]

Reynvaan was educated at the first Nursing School opened in 1878 at the initiative of Jeltje de Bosch Kemper, who wished to introduce the profession of the educated medical nurse in The Netherlands. Reynvaan graduated as a nurse in 1880 and was, as such, the first professionally trained nurse of her nation. She was employed at the hospital Amsterdam Binnengasthuis, were the caregivers had until then lacked formal education.

Alongside the progressive physician Jacob van Deventer, she became known for her work to introduce modern hygiene and method in the hospital care, a work that was to become successful. She also engaged as a pioneer educator in the new nursing education in her country. She was made deputy director of the Buitengasthuis hospital in 1883.