“TIME TO PLAN CHANGES IN NURSING EDUCATION”

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28889, 8 May 1959, Page 2

“TIME TO PLAN CHANGES IN NURSING EDUCATION”

(Neto Zealand Press Association)

ROTORUA, May 6. “Those of us who are concerned with nursing education are confident that with the present demands on nursing it is time now to plan fundamental changes in the educational system,” said Miss Ellen Brown, director of education for the International Council of Nurses in England, when addressing the New Zealand training school matrons’ conference in Rotorua today. It was contentment and good teaching which determined the value of a nursing education programme rather than the time spent on the preparation of the nurse, said Miss Erown. Whether the school of nursing was to be an independent institution nr conducted within a hospital college or a university was not the deciding factor.

All countries in time would need to have some nurses prepared on an academic level equal with members of other professions, she added. But whatever framework might be chosen, the aim must be to allow such freedom for the school as would enable it not only to plan its teaching programme but also to control and supervise it completely. There could be all types of arrangements with hospitals and health agencies as to the practical experience of students, but the school must be able to decide when and to what extent the students should participate in the work.

The one-day matrons* conference will be followed by the New Zealand Registered Nurses’ Association conference, which will open here tomorrow and conclude on Friday.