THE NURSE OF TODAY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 64, 13 September 1943, Page 8

THE NURSE OF TODAY

MANY ADVANTAGES

The nurse of today is offered satisfactions greater than are possible in almost any other occupation. When qualified she has the choice of different types of work in any part of the country and, in peacetime, in many places abroad. The economic return gives her complete independence and places her on a level with friends in other professional and business fields. The training and practice of general nursing have altered considerably during recent years. Theoretical and practical work during the three years of training have been arranged so that lecture and study hdurs during terms of ward duty are considerably lessened. Nurses in training live in nurses' homes which are very comfortable and up to date, with sitting-rooms and balconies, and, with few exceptions, single bedrooms are provided. There is always provision for tennis and other games and, in some homes, swimming baths. Registered nurses may live out, for which they are given an additional salary grant.

FAVOURABLE COMPARISONS,

Although the salary of a pupil nurse may seem poor at first glance, it will be found to compare favourably with that of the majority of girl workers when income and expenditure are balanced. The same comparisons may be drawn of women at 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of age, at which stages, apart from the greater satisfaction of worthwhile service, the nurse is earning a far better salary than the average woman.. She has also the choice of many types of work. District and Plunket nursing, mental nursing, with which is allied occupational therapy, crippled children, missions, and child welfare are some of the avenues she may explore when registered. Increased numbers of nurses are needed for the expanding hospital seryices, for general and obstetric patients and, at the present time, for military needs. A display now on view at the Wellington Public Library should be of interest to those contemplating nursing as a career.