Leading through difficult times: The oral histories of Drs. Barbara Nichols, Beverly Malone, and Ernest Grant.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The nursing profession, along with its respective professional organizations, has transcended through the vicissitudes of time. This includes, but is not limited to, the evolution of the profession and integration of African American nurses into nursing organizations and leadership roles. PURPOSE: The three past African American presidents of the American Nurses Association (ANA) were invited to participate in an oral history about their leadership and presidencies. METHODS: The interviews were visual/audio-recorded, digitally taped, and transcribed. DISCUSSION: The oral histories centered on their journeys to becoming the president of the ANA, experiences being the president, leading beyond their presidency, and respective insights about their presidency.