Assistant Professor Emeritus, Indiana University School of Nursing
1935-2005
Passed by the IU Indianapolis Faculty Council at their meeting on May 3, 2005.
Eleanore E. McCann, Assistant Professor Emeritus made significant contributions to gerontological nursing and the education of nurses at Indiana University School of Nursing. Professor McCann’s caring ways and commitment to the well being of her patients and students were valued by all who knew her.
Eleanore was born in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1935, where she spent her childhood on the east side of Indianapolis. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Cullman, Alabama and studied sciences at Marian College in Indianapolis, Indiana. After graduating with a diploma in nursing from St. Vincent’s Hospital in 1958, she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Indiana University School of Nursing, graduating in 1960. Eleanore earned a Master of Science degree in Nursing from Boston University in 1966 and achieved a Nursing Doctorate at Rush University, Chicago, Illinois in 1996.
Eleanore’s early employment years were at Indiana University Medical Center where she worked in adult medical-surgical nursing at Long Hospital as both a staff and head nurse. She was also a staff nurse at St. Vincent’s Hospital during the early ‘60’s and throughout her career served as an educational and nursing consultant to Community Hospital and Catholic Social Services. Dr. McCann began her career as a nursing educator in 1960 with appointment as Instructor of Nursing at St. Mary’s Hospital, Evansville, Indiana. Eleanore accepted appointment as Instructor at Indiana University School of Nursing in 1963, and was promoted to Assistant Professor in 1969.
Eleanore’s area of expertise was the nursing care of adults and she took a special interest in the education of undergraduate and graduate nursing students, especially those students having their first experiences in hospital settings. Dr. McCann was patient with students, served as a thoughtful mentor, and provided both praise and encouragement to help learners at every level realize their potential and analyze their performance. Eleanore became a knowledgeable expert in foot care for the elderly and was recognized by the American Nurses’ Association with certification as a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner. She taught nurse practitioner students and served as a role model for them in primary care and non-traditional care settings. Dr. McCann was committed to lifelong learning and over her career presented continuing education offerings for nurses on physical assessment, respiratory, neurological, and foot care for older adults. In addition she contributed book chapters and articles on aging and the care of disabled adults.
Dr. McCann shared a commitment to faculty governance and served on committees at the school and university level. She was a member of the IU Indianapolis Committee on Aging. The system School of Nursing reorganized their faculty governance model in the early 1990’s and Eleanore was elected secretary for the University Council of Nursing Faculty. She developed the course Chronic Health Disruptions and was convener for the Capstone course in the BSN program, a major curricular change which provided seniors an opportunity to work one on one with preceptor nurses in hospital and health care settings.
Eleanore had a good sense of humor and a wonderful curiosity about the world around her. Throughout her lifetime she traveled coast to coast in the United States, and enjoyed hiking trips in Italy, France, England, Ireland and Scotland. In addition Eleanore expanded her horizons and took extended trips to Japan, the Artic, and Antarctic. She had a special love for polar bears and concern for the environment.
Dr. McCann enjoyed her retirement yet became especially challenged with the discovery of a brain tumor in the fall of 2004. She approached her diagnosis with grace and empowered those who cared for her with a love for life and commitment to caring for others.
This memorial resolution is presented to the Faculty Council of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis as an expression of the faculty’s appreciation of Dr. Eleanore McCann’s accomplishments to the university and the community.