Oregon League for Nursing records

Collection

Identifier: 2017-019

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of records of the Oregon League for Nursing and its earlier forms (Oregon State League of Nursing Education (OSLNE), Oregon League for Nursing Education (OLNE), and Oregon Citizens' League for Nursing (OCLN)). The records cover topics such as becoming a member of the National League; advocating for nursing education and greater nurse employment; raising funds and advocating for better funding for both education and employment of nurses; producing educational programs, such as films, radio dramas, and public speaking engagements; and day-to-day governance of the organization.

The materials include by-laws, articles of incorporation, and constitutions; meeting minutes; membership lists; correspondence; committee and board annual reports; minutes of meetings with related organizations; convention programs; educational program skits; and more. A significant run (1953-1985) of the organization’s newsletter, “The Oregon Reporter,” is also included. Furthermore, the collection contains a movie documentary about the Providence Hospital School of Nursing, “Nurses of the Pacific Northwest” lapel pins, and a history of the People’s Institute and Free Dispensary.

Dates

Creation: 1922-2012
Creation: Majority of material found within 1922-1986

Creator

Oregon League for Nursing (Creator, Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access. This collection is open to the public.

Conditions Governing Use

OHSU Historical Collections & Archives (HC&A) is the owner of the original materials and digitized images in our collections, however, the collection may contain materials for which copyright is not held. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials. Consult with HC&A to determine if we can provide permission for use.

Historical note

The Oregon State League of Nursing Education (OSLNE or OLNE) began organizing in 1922 and applied for membership with the National League of Nursing Education in April 1923. The mission of both organizations centered around consideration of all aspects of nursing education, defining and maintaining minimum standards for education, promoting professional relationships and collaboration, and developing and maintaining the “highest ideals in the nursing profession.”

The Oregon League focused on nursing education and continuing education, public health nursing, training of Native American nurses, and advocacy work (such as for greater nurse employment and better funding for education and employment opportunities). They were pivotal in moving Portland’s nurse training school from the County Hospital to the University of Oregon.

From 1947 to 1950, the League operated as the Educational Section of the Oregon State Nurses Association (later the Oregon Nurses Association). They changed again, along with the National organization, in 1952, to become the Oregon League for Nursing. The mission expanded at this time to include fostering the improvement of nursing services and education through more coordinated actions of nurses and associated professions, agencies, and schools. For a time, from around 1972 until 1981, the name was changed yet again, to Oregon Citizens’ League for Nursing. However, the name was returned to the previous form after a number of concerns and complaints were raised in regards to the word “Citizens’” being added.

Extent

1.68 Linear Feet (4 document boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Oregon League for Nursing began in 1922 with a mission focused on all aspects of nursing education, including defining and maintaining minimum standards for education, and promoting professional relationships and collaboration. The League was also pivotal in moving Portland’s nurse training school from the County Hospital to the University of Oregon. This collection consists of records on topics such as becoming a member of the National League; advocating for nursing education and greater nurse employment; raising funds and advocating for better funding for both education and employment of nurses; producing educational programs; and day-to-day governance of the organization.