New Zealand Trained Nurses’ Association

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7085, 6 December 1929, Page 8

New Zealand Trained Nurses’ Association

P.N. BRANCH FORMED.

Miss C. McKenny, a former matron of the Wanganui hospital, who is assisting with the State examinations at. the Palmerston North hospital, addressed a well-attended meeting at the Nurses’ Home last evening, with the object" of forming a branch of the New Zealand Trained Nurses’ Association in Palmerston North. Miss McKenny recently attended a conference in Auckland and was asked by members of the central council of the association if she would endeavour to form a branch in Palmerston Nortji. With that object in view, Miss J. McGhic (matron of the Palmerston North hospital) called a meeting of all interested in the movement and a branch was formed last evening. Miss McGhie presided and Miss McKenny addressed the gathering. Upwards of 6000 registered nurses were in New Zealand, said the speaker, and the association numbered about 1300. Since that survey, branches had been formed at Waikato, Wairoa, Rotorua and Timaru. Surely ft town such as Palmerston North should have a branch.

Miss McKenny outlined the objects of the association, which were, firstly, the promotion of nurses’ professional and social interests; encouragement of post-graduate study. Lectures were given by prominent physicians, surgeons and others; the establishing of a reliable nurses’ bureau to meet the requirements of medical practitioners and" the public; when possible, to establish a club house for social and residential purposes; and to aid members of the association in sickness and misfortune. These were merely a few of the objects as set in the forefront of the book of rules.

Miss McKenny had often heard it said, chiefly by newly-graduated nurses, that there was nothing to gain by being a member of the association. “We know,” said the speaker, “that no one can maintain efficiency alone, least of all, a nurse. A nurse, like a doctor, needs co-operation, contacts to gain new lights on old subjects, to learn new skills and to meet new developments in the care of the sick. These things are easily available to staffs of large hospitals but tho majority of nurses practising are in the private nursing service—7s per cent, of the graduates take up private duty. The association has helped us to bring about refresher courses at hospitals. It obtains medical lectures and other opportunities for the members, to help them give their craft the best chance of success. A nurse who allows herself to become “rusty,” has no right tp practice nursing. ‘More, and better service,’ is the slogan of a nurse and there is need to use every avenue that makes for growth and improvement. “The 75 per cent, have been called, just for the want of a better word, the ‘rank and file’ of tho service. It is the standard- and ideals of those that maintain * the prestigo of nursing—much more than those of leaders and teachers, even as it is the standards of the mass of' a nation’s people that make it great, or otherwise. “Nursing is still in its infancy as a profession and like other professions, it can only attain full status through nursing. ’ ’ No one but nurses, thought Miss McKenny, could successfully control nursing education. The association was invaluable to the nurse who travelled abroad. Nurses could transfer from one branch to another. . _

At the conclusion of the address, Miss McGhie asked if those present were in favour of a branch of the association being formed in Palmerston North. Every member present .voted in the affirmative.

An election of officers then took place. President, Miss J. McGhie; vice-presidents, Misses McLagan and Roby; members of the council, Mesdames J. H. Whyte, G. W. Corbridgo, Misses A. Kearns; Latimer, E. Brown (matron of the Dannevirke hospital), W. M. Scott, N. Verry, C. Henderson (hospital Homo Sister), E. Linton; secretary, Sister Henderson; honorary advisory medical officers, Drs. F. Ward and P. T. Putnam.

Miss McGhie entertained the visitors to supper, which was thoroughly enjoyed. Votes of thanks were accorded tho matron, Miss McKenny, and Mrs. Corbridge, wbo for many years has acted in an honorary capacity for nurses awaiting cases.