The 1950s
100 Years of Texas Nursing Magazine
Poetry and Photography Reflect Texas Nursing in the 1950s
Dorothy L. Weaver, Bertha C. Alford, and Jean Couder Soule
Texas Graduate Nurses' Association Members
Texas Graduate Nurses' Association Bulletin, December 1956
This article from 1956 offers a fascinating glimpse into the professional landscape of Texas nursing nearly 70 years ago. It highlights two major themes that remain relevant today: statewide organizational unity and advocacy.
A GEOGRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION
This December 1956 issue illustrates the geographic reach of the organization at the time. The Texas Graduate Nurses’ Association (a precursor to the modern Texas Nurses Association) headquarters was located in San Antonio. The map on the cover acts as a roll call of leadership, showing that the association had active representation across Texas, from the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast.
HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW IN TEXAS
The inclusion of the legislative flowchart, submitted by Dorothy L. Weaver and explained by Bertha C. Alford. is significant. It demonstrates that as early as the 1956, nurse leaders recognized that clinical skill alone was not enough. To advance the profession (e.g., improving licensure, education standards, or workplace protections), nurses needed to understand the mechanics of the Texas Legislature. The added explanation helps to demystify the political process for nurses, empowering them to track and influence bills.
While the political landscape has evolved, the fundamental path shown here—Committee hearings, readings, and executive signature—remains the blueprint for how nurses advocate for policy changes in Texas today. TN
Nurses' Week 1959
Clips from the Post-War Era: A Photo from the 1957 Future Nurses' Convention and Spirited Poetry
In this candid shot from 1957, leadership from the Texas League for Nursing and the Texas Graduate Nurses’ Association convene with the Texas Medical Association's recruitment chair. Together at the Future Nurses' Club Convention, they laid the groundwork for student recruitment strategies that paved the way for thousands of Texas nurses.
Poetry from nurses provided lighthearted, fun reading, just as it does today! TN
A POEM FROM ELECTIONS 1955
I will not be a joiner I vowed with good intentions; No more women's clubs for me-- No meetings, no conventions. This year, I said, I'll stay at home
And just be sitting pretty.
I've had enough of Roberts' Rules, Of working in committee. Last night we had elections, And I now stand corrected. Just wait until my husband hears Who got herself elected!
- Jean Couder Soule
