NURSES’ EXAMINATIONS

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 17 August 1934, Page 9

NURSES’ EXAMINATIONS

Board’s Criticism of the System HAWERA HOSPITAL POSITION OUTSIDE DOCTOR REQUIRED Strong condemnation of the requirement of the Nurses and Midwives’ Registration Board that the preliminary examination of nurses in training at the Hawera Hospital should be undertaken by a doctor outside the hospital staff was voiced by members of the Hawera Hospital Board at today’s monthly meeting. In no other profession were the preliminary examinations conducted by other than the teacher concerned, it was stated, and members expressed the opinion that the attitude adopted by the Registration Board was unbilled for, as it meant extra expense and was not complimentary to the hospital doctor. It was decided that the matter be referred to the Minister of Health, the Hon. J. A. Young, and to request the Taranaki members of Parliament to introduce it on the floor of the House.

The discussion arose when -a recommendation that fees be paid to Hawera practitioners to conduct the examination was submitted for approval. The managing secretary (Mr C. Harrison) pointed out that tlie Registration Board, would not permit the hospial doctor to conduct the preliminary examination, and it would be necessary to obtain outside medical practitioners to act in this respect. The hospital superintendent (Dr. J. Oairney) was recognised as an examiner of high repute and at present was examiner to the University of New Zealand. There seemed to be little reason why the board should incur the exgense of outside examiners when Dr. airney could conduct the examinations just as effectively. What would the position, be if Dr. Cairney conducted the examinations? asked Mr A. L. Campbell. The chairman (Mr J. S. McKay): The nurses who passed would probably be disqualified. Members of the board pointed out that in. schools and universities the teachers and lecturers, conducted the preliminary examinations themselves, and there was no reason why the system should not apply to hospital examinations also.

Mr T. A. Winks said he thought it was a matter to he brought to the notice of members of Parliament for the district, so that relevant questions might, be asked in the House.

Tt was agreed that nothing should be done at this stage to interfere with the forthcoming examinations, but that every effort be made to have the position altered for the future. It- was resolved that the facts lie placed before the Minister and’ Messrs H. G. Dickie. O. A. Wilkinson, W. J. Poison and S. G. Smith, M’s.P.