CDR Constance G. Evans, USPHS Ret. Oral History Part 1

title:

CDR Constance G. Evans, USPHS Ret. Oral History Part 1

creator:

Evans, Constance G. (Jean) "Connie" (1942 February 5 -

subject:

Army Nurse Corps | Army Nurse Corps Reserve | US Public Health Service (USPHS)

description:

Part 1 of 2. Born on February 1, 1942 in Kamiah, Idaho on the Nez Perce reservation, Constance Evans grew up hearing about and seeing pictures of her aunt in the Army Nurse Cadet Program, and always wanted to be a nurse herself. So, after graduating fr Kamiah High School in 1960, she moved to California where she worked through a one-year program to become a licensed vocational nurse. Later, she returned to Idaho and entered a three-year nursing program where, after talking to a recruiter about how the program would help her pay for her schooling, she joined the Army Student Nurse Program. After serving in the States, Constance was sent to the 12th Evacuation Hospital in Cu Chi, Vietnam in 1966, where she stayed for a year before returning to the US in November 1967. Five days before her return date, she noticed her eyes and skin were turning yellow, but initially didn't want to see a doctor because she knew they wouldn't let her leave. After talking to others about it, however, she did see a doctor and found out she had gotten Hepatitis B, which was not a surprise to her considering how often she was handling blood without gloves at the evac hospital. She stayed in the hospital in Vietnam for a few extra days for treatment before being sent home with a med-evac. She then spent the next year and a half stationed in Germany, before resigning in 1969 upon finding out she was pregnant. In 1972, when women with dependents were allowed to join the military, Constance joined the Reserves, where she stayed until 1978 when she transferred to the US Public Health Service Corps. There, she served the Indian community as a commander, the highest rank she achieved before retiring. Constance Evans served in the Army Nurse Corps from September 1, 1964 until July 31, 1969. She served with the 12th Evacuation Hospital in Cu Chi Vietnam and in Nurnburg, Germany. A transcript of this interview is available.

publisher:

Military Women's Memorial Foundation

contributor:

Scott, Kate M.

date:

2003-11-10

type:

Moving Image

format:

Hi-8

identifier:

282.01; 2003.282

source:

OHP | IMES

language:

English

relation:

028836

coverage:

Vietnam War (1964-1975) | 1964-1969 | 1972-1978

rights:

Unrestricted