Discussion: A SEAT AT THE TABLE: 50 YEARS OF PROGRESS

allnurses Guide · Apr 2, 2008

Thank you Karen.

Our history is so important.

Chico David, BSN, RN · Apr 2, 2008

One thought that occurs is to note the leading role that western states played in the economic advancement of Nurses. For most of this country's history there has been a tendancy for those who control the media and the writing of history to act as if all the important events took place in Washington or New York. But nearly all of the pioneering of Nurses taking our power seemed to happen in the west - California, Washington and Montana being the standouts.

A deeper appreciation of our history, where we come from as a profession, and the sacrifices our predecessors went through would be good for all of us.

Julia RN · Apr 9, 2008

IMO- One of the most influential events is documented under a photo on page five:

(1946 ANA House of Delegates mtg) Representatives from traditional trade unions were waiting on the sidewalk outside the Atlantic City convention hall, waiting to sign up nurses if the ANA HOD failed to pass an economic security resolution that included collective bargaining.

Of course the subsequent "E&GW programs" differed greatly from the traditional unions.

Also found it interesting that the document does not specifically mention the reversal of the "no-strike policy" that was adotped in 1950. An entry under 1970 only mentions "a revised statement regarding professional/quality of care issues" which I believe included the right to strike.