The seeds of the Barbados Nurses Association of America, Inc. (BNAA) were planted on September 16, 1967, when nine nurses gathered in a spirit of unity and purpose to form an association to support their professional and social well-being. Their first official meeting was held in October 1967, and on November 18 of the same year, the first officers were elected. BNAA was formally incorporated in the State of New York in May 1969, with five charter members: Nola Nurse (Founder), Muriel Bushelle, Joyce Codrington, Marjorie Taitt, and Joan Stuart. The crest, a nurse’s cap resting on a broken trident, was designed by Muriel Bushelle.