Adrian Melissinos, PhD, RN
2345 Bluebonnet
Houston, TX 77030
Shirley Morrison, PhD, RN
Paper Presentation
NURSING, HOUSTON, AND THE GREAT DEPRESSION
Purpose: Despite the implementation of Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects throughout the state of Texas, nurses within Houston, as elsewhere, struggled with unemployment needs during the Great Depression as hospitals reduced employment and demands for private duty nurses decreased. This study investigates the response by Houston nurses on a local level to the needs of their colleagues.
Rationale and Significance: Houston nurses responded by implementing a remarkable fundraising project that engaged not only nurses but the wider Houston community as well. While relying upon their own professional members, the nurses sought and received support from the citizens of the city. The efforts of the Houston nurses contribute to an understanding of why public support of nursing can be helpful in furthering the goals of the profession.
Methodology: Historical methodology using primary and secondary sources was utilized. Archival sources include, but are not limited to, documents, brochures, minutes, artwork, and newspaper accounts from the Texas Nurses Association (TNA) District #9 office in Houston, Texas; the Houston Public Library; and the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin; Rice University; and South Texas College of Law. Secondary sources include relevant books, reports, and articles.
Findings: TNA District #9 in Houston sponsored a benefit performance “History of Nursing Pageant” in December, 1933 in the midst of the Great Depression. Directors of nursing, students from schools of nursing, graduate nurses from local hospitals and institutions, and community members participated. Proceeds from the project were used to create a student loan fund and monies awarded for educational purposes.
Conclusions: The Houston nurses demonstrated that creative efforts utilizing community support could be effective in meeting professional goals. Within the Student Loan Fund instituted by the TNA District #9 nurses in 1933 lies the origin of the Scholarship and Research Fund which continues to this day and provides financial support for nursing scholarship.