Barba Jean Edwards initiated the World Congress for Perioperative Nurses in 1986 and is recognized as a leader in the operating room nursing profession and for being conversant about ethical concerns in health care delivery. She has authored seven books and over 60 publications, which are used extensively by nurses everywhere. She first received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, then went on to earn master’s degree’s in both nursing and communications. She also received a Fine Arts Diploma from the Sorbonne in Paris and the University of Norway. Her professional career in hospital nursing culminated in her serving as vice-president for Archbishop Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha. She currently reside in Omaha and serves as a nure consultant on health issues.
Barba passed away in 2017 at the age of 87.