Trumpets of attack: collaborative efforts between nursing and philanthropies to care for the child crippled with polio 1930 to 1959

The purpose of this historical inquiry research was to explore (a) the relationship of nursing and foundations focusing on polio from 1930 to 1959; (b) the employment and educational opportunities arising from the polio epidemics for white and black nurses, as well as the obstacles encountered; (c) the role of nursing leaders in the care of the crippled child; and (d) the effects of the resolution of the polio epidemics resulting from the polio vaccine on public attitude and on the philanthropic organizations. Relevant journals, primary and secondary sources, and personal interviews were the methods used for data collection. Because of the extraordinary community support for work related to polio, nurses were able to obtain support from foundations. This support resulted in employment and educational opportunities for bedside nursing, primarily for white nurses. Middle and upper class fear of polio enabled the development of powerful and successful private organizations to supplement the available governmental services. This research illustrates the advances that nursing has made and reminds nurses to develop and maintain strong praxis relationships, alliances with philanthropies, referrals for clients with local organizations, and a strong voice in the planning arena.