An Early Challenge

In her first few years at Minnesota Katharine Densford faced a number of challenges, but highlighted here is one which resulted in her submitting a letter of resignation, which she withdrew six months later. This incident illustrates several of the strengths and skills that made her an extraordinary leader:

• to work effectively with all individuals, even those with whom she disagreed
• to articulate a position that would strengthen nursing
• to adhere to standards and principles
• to create a solution that would meet diverse needs
• to be gracious, respectful, firm and persistent

In May of 1931, a discussion arose about recruiting more students into nursing schools, even in the face of significant unemployment by nurses due to the Depression. At that time, students staffed the hospitals and provided much of the nursing care, working an average of 54 hours/week. Graduate private duty nurses averaged only five days/month of nursing.

At issue was the ability of hospitals to advertise for nursing students, and the recommendation that this process be removed from under the jurisdiction of the School of Nursing. The superintendent of Minneapolis General Hospital, Dr. Charles Remy, was particularly supportive of this approach. On the other hand, Katharine was concerned about the impact that this would have on standards of nursing education, and the worsening of the employment situation for graduate nurses. In the minutes of a meeting between Dr. Remy and the Administrative Committee of the University School of Nursing, the following comment was made: Dr. Remy stated that as a hospital administrator he had no interest in nursing education and that as a doctor, he thought that a rigid assignment of students through a schedule of varied experiences a factor of minor importance since the quality he preferred in a nurse was ability to obey doctor's orders and to make patients comfortable. Too careful limitation of enrollment he felt unnecessary, since nurse's training is valuable for any young woman. When the Committee members voted, the two nursing leaders voted against the proposal for hospitals to independently advertise for nursing students, while the three medical leaders voted to support Dr. Remy. Katharine felt particularly disappointed in the lack of support from Elias Lyon, Dean of the Medical School, who had steadfastly sided with her in a number of important discussions, and had consistently demonstrated an understanding of the importance of higher education for nursing. She submitted her resignation the next day.

Over the ensuing months, however, she gave great thought to designing an alternative strategy that would meet the needs of hospitals, and not jeopardize nurses or nursing education. What evolved was a proposal for the faculty to develop postgraduate programs in clinical specialties. The instructors would be hired by the school, but paid by the hospital. The nurses would receive financial support for their services. Most importantly, hospitals would have nurses (graduate students) for staffing, and this would not further add to the oversupply caused by new graduates. It was roundly approved by all involved.

This type of creative problem solving, spurred by principle, and coupled with respectful and effective working relationships with diverse individuals, was a hallmark of Katharine's years as a director of nursing and international nursing leader.