The first organizational meeting of the Subsection on Nursing of the Scientific Assembly on Clinical Problems was held on Monday, May 17, 1976 at the Braniff Place Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana. Seventy nurses were in attendance at this first meeting, 36 of whom were ATS nurse members. The keynote address was delivered by Mildred McIntyre. A day-long continuing education symposium on asthma and a session on “The Role of the Pulmonary Nurse Specialist in the Care of Individuals with Chronic Lung Disease” was co-sponsored with the Scientific Assembly on Clinical Problems.
The purpose of the Subsection was: “to promote interdisciplinary planning for the care of individuals with lung disease.” The objectives of the Subsection were as follows:
- Provide a mechanism for communication on issues of patient care related to nursing.
- Collect, interpret and disseminate data concerning nursing practice and education needs in respiratory care.
- Stimulate clinical nursing research in respiratory care.
- Promote interdisciplinary planning for clinical care of individuals with lung disease.
The major activity of the Section was to plan the Annual Meeting and review abstracts submitted by nurses for presentation at the Annual Meeting. The Section played a progressively greater role in ATS activities. Section members served on many committees and were involved in many Subcommittees and Ad Hoc Committees of ATS contributing to the development of Statements and Position Papers.
