In 1902, Dr. Amos Abbott founded his "Hospital for Women" near downtown Minneapolis. The following year, Abbott invited Susan Holmes to join the hospital staff. Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Holmes had followed her sister to Minneapolis, where she became a private duty nurse, working mostly with obstetric patients. In accepting Abbott's invitation, she found her life's work.

For the next 42 years, Holmes served as hospital superintendent, superintendent of nurses, instructor in the nursing school and surgical supervisor. Under her leadership, the hospital's nursing school became one of the most respected in the Midwest.

In accomplishing this, Holmes transcended the prevalent notions of what a nurse could do. Like many of his contemporaries, Abbott believed that a nurse's role was to make patients feel comfortable and at home. He felt that nurses should learn nothing more than the rudiments of caring for the sick. He required nurses to stand whenever he entered the room and to address him formally.

Although Holmes could be difficult to work for, she had the reputation of being fair. The compassionate determination she brought to her work inspired respect and even love in those who served with her. Doctors trusted her judgment and considered her an example of nursing excellence.

It was said that that Abbott Hospital didn't go to sleep at night until Holmes had made her rounds. She became known as the "Angel of Abbott."