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 rela tionship of nursing and foundations focusing on polio from 1930 to 1959; (b ) the employment and educational opportunities arising from the polio epide mics 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 v accine on public attitude and on the philanthropic organizations. Relevant journals, primary and secondary sources, and personal interviews were the m ethods used for data collection. Because of the extraordinary community sup port for work related to polio, nurses were able to obtain support from fou ndations. This support resulted in employment and educational opportunities for bedside nursing, primarily for white nurses. Middle and upper class fe ar of polio enabled the development of powerful and successful private orga nizations to supplement the available governmental services. This research illustrates the advances that nursing has made and reminds nurses to develo p and maintain strong praxis relationships, alliances with philanthropies, referrals for clients with local organizations, and a strong voice in the p lanning arena.