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University of Oregon Department of Nursing records, 1920-1968

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Thomson, Elnora, 1873-1957; Phelps, Grace, 1871-1952; Beard, Mary, 1876-1946
Title
University of Oregon Department of Nursing records
Dates
1920-1968 (inclusive)
Quantity
0.25 linear feet
Collection Number
2008-013
Summary
This collection contains material pertaining to the development of nursing training at the University of Oregon from the 1920s onward.
Repository
Oregon Health & Science University, Historical Collections & Archives
OHSU Historical Collections & Archives
Oregon Health & Science University
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd. MC:LIB
Portland, OR
97239
Telephone: 5034945587
hcaref@ohsu.edu
Access Restrictions

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

Languages
English
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Historical Note

The origins of the OHSU School of Nursing can be traced to the summer of 1919 when the University of Oregon introduced the state's first professional courses in nursing. The courses were offered in Portland in cooperation with the Northwest Division of the American Red Cross Home Service Department, the Portland Visiting Nurse Association, the Welfare Bureau, and the Oregon Tuberculosis Association. During this time, the Portland School of Social Work offered a standard course of study in public health nursing.

In 1926, the University of Oregon, recognizing the need for baccalaureate prepared nurses, introduced a five-year curriculum culminating in the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing. Additionally, between 1928 and 1939, a certificate program was offered for qualified students in accredited hospital schools permitting them to receive university offerings facilitating their career mobility.

As a part of the 1932 reorganization of the Oregon State System of Higher Education, the Portland School of Social Work was integrated into the University of Oregon Medical School in Portland and a Department of Nursing Education was established. The University of Oregon Medical School, Department of Nursing Education offered courses using its own facilities and clinical resources at accredited community hospitals and agencies. Additionally, a 2-year pre-nursing curriculum was established at University of Oregon and Oregon State University. During World War II, the baccalaureate degree program was accelerated into a 4-year program, and public health nursing was incorporated into the program in 1956 under the guidance of Elnora Thomson, a leader in the field.

In 1947, a $60,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation made possible a teaching and supervision program for baccalaureate prepared registered nurses which in 1955 became the Master of Science degree in nursing education.

The Oregon State Board of Higher Education, in 1960, recognized the changing nature of nursing and expanded the Department of Nursing Education to its current status as the School of Nursing. During the 1960s the school further developed its undergraduate and graduate program offerings. In 1961, funds from the U.S. Public Health Service supported a comprehensive study of mental health concepts in the baccalaureate program. The Nurse Training Act made possible additional areas of graduate study and increased undergraduate enrollment of registered nurses. The baccalaureate degree was further strengthened in 1972 by funding that developed a learning resources center. Other study and development grants assisted growth in various school programs, especially continuing education. The school began offering a Master of Nursing degree in 1971.

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Content Description

This collection covers several areas of interest. Much correspondence on the development of nursing studies is included, as well as curriculum issues, advertising, and specific programs for obstetric and pediatric nursing.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on 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.

Preferred Citation

University of Oregon Department of Nursing records, Collection Number 2008-013, Oregon Health & Science University, Historical Collections & Archives

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

6 folders inside of one thin document box, arranged by subject and within the folders, chronologically.

Acquisition Information

These materials came to us through the School of Nursing.

Related Materials

Other School of Nursing collections include 2005-002 School of Nursing Records; 2011-003 School of Nursing Photographs; and 2014-009 School of Nursing Archive Collection.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Schools, Medical
  • Schools, Nursing

Personal Names

  • Dillehunt, Richard B.

Form or Genre Terms

  • administrative records

Occupations

  • Universities and colleges--Faculty

Other Creators

  • Personal Names

    • Beard, Mary, 1876-1946 (fmo)
    • Phelps, Grace, 1871-1952 (fmo)
    • Thomson, Elnora, 1873-1957 (fmo)

Karen Peterson, Jeff Colby
2008

CC0

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