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Muriel Poulin Obituary
Muriel was born in Springvale on April 20, 1925, daughter of Arthur A. Poulin and Blanche G. Poulin.
She graduated from Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing in 1946, before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Catholic University in 1950. Muriel continued her academic studies with a Masters of Science degree in Nursing Administration from the University of Colorado in 1960 and a Doctorate of Educational Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University in 1971.
Early in her career, Dr. Poulin was recruited to be a member of a task force responsible for opening and managing the newly constructed Damascus General Hospital in Syria. This opportunity proved to be a cornerstone of her career leading her to understand that high quality patient care can only be achieved if organized nursing services are led by prepared nursing administrators. She also became committed to international health care, accepting consultations and short-term assignments throughout the world. The capstone of her efforts was a Fulbright Scholar award that led to her success in establishing the first master's program in nursing in Spain.
As an educator, Muriel was a professor of nursing administration at the University of Kentucky (1962-1970) and Boston University (1972-1989). For 15 years she was also chairperson of the Graduate Nursing Administration program at Boston University and was named Professor Emeritus in 1988.
Muriel held executive positions and committee posts in professional organizations throughout her career, most notably the American Nurses Association, Massachusetts Nursing Association, American Management Association, and American Association of University Professors.
In 2012, Muriel was inducted into the American Nurses Association Hall of Fame.
Following her retirement in 1989, she continued her support of the nursing profession as Chairperson of the Board of the Visiting Nurses of Southern Maine, and for the next 15 years managed Books Revisited, a used bookstore in Sanford run by volunteers and designed to support visiting nurses programs.
One of her most important contributions to the nursing profession is as coauthor of the ANA Magnet Study and Designation, one of the highest honors hospitals can achieve to demonstrate excellence in health care.
Muriel is survived by her brothers, Robert J. Poulin of York and Paul L. Poulin of Springvale; as well as three nieces and three nephews located throughout the United States.
A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 at Notre Dame Chapel, Shaker Hill Road, Alfred.
Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. Condolences can be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com
Those who wish may make contributions in Muriel's memory to the
Poulin Family Education Fund
c/o MaineHealth Care at Home
15 Industrial Park Road
Saco, ME 04072
This funding supports registered nurses who are pursuing an advanced nursing degree. Please contact [email protected] or call 800.660.4867 for information.
L;Funeral Heald Black
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Muriel Poulin
6 Entries
M Jane Jacobson
September 16, 2019
We are all grateful for all you did to make this a better world and we know your work is not done. This is just a transition.
Carol Schoneberg
September 16, 2019
My condolences to Muriel's family and all who loved her. I first met Muriel 25 years ago when she was on the board of Hospice Volunteers of Saco Valley--she was always a strong and outspoken advocate and supporter of hospice. Muriel was a role-model for many of us in the healthcare/hospice world, an example of what a strong woman can do to make a difference, and the importance of speaking out about the things we are passionate about. Thank you, Muriel, for always going the extra mile. It was a privilege to know you and consider you a friend--you will be missed.
Carrie Shaw
September 11, 2019
Muriel was an outstanding human being and mentor to many. I had the privilege of working with her through Visiting Nurse Service and Hospice. She was such an inspiration and a true leader. The world is a much sadder place without her and Heaven has gained another angel.
Lovingly ,
Carrie Shaw
Robert Vincent
September 11, 2019
Bless you for all the lives you touched!
With sincere sympathy.
Juliana L'Heureux
September 10, 2019
Muriel was a wonderful friend and a nursing heroine. She always supported aspiring and experienced nurses, calling on us to be great professionals! She is dearly missed. My condolences to her wonderful family.
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