NURSES' TRAINING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23425, 15 August 1939, Page 10

NURSES' TRAINING

FACILITIES LACKING NECESSITY FOR IMPROVEMENT DETERIORATION OF STANDARD "This training school for nurses is tho largest in the Dominion, and our educational facilities are the worst in New Zealand," stated the lady superintendent, Miss E. M. Nutsey, in a report on tho results of the State nursing examinations to the Auckland Hospital Board last night. Expressing keen disappointment with tho Auckland results, Miss Nutsey emphasised the necessity for providing educational facilities for the students. Of the 49 candidates who sat for tho preliminary State examination, 40 passed, one obtaining distinction in hygiene and practical nursing, Miss Nutsqy stated. In the final State examination there wore 31 candidates, of whom 22 were successful. Work Under Difficulties "Our standard must deteriorate move and more unless greater opportunity lor study is provided," sho continued. "Tho ward work is becoming increasingly difficult on account of the overcrowded conditions, and the only places available to nurses for study are their bedrooms. Because of lack of proper facilities, tlio teaching of practical dietetics has to bo done from 7 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. on two nights weekly, at a time when both students and teacher aro tired after a full day's duty. This is not conducive to' good work." Miss Nutsey added that tho taking in of classes of only 16 students every six weeks was wasted effort, and, if the classes were larger and the course longer, much better work could be accomplished. Tho tutor sister had been working under great difficulties. Results Worst lor Years Attention had been drawn on many occasions to the unsuitable facilities, Miss Nutsey said, particularly in tho main lecture room, where there was no demonstration spaco and where tho acoustics, lighting and ventilation wero extremely bad. Tho chairman, Mr. Allan J. Moody, said lie regretted to state that the Auckland results this year had been the worst for many years. The need for greater facilities for study was emphasised by, Mrs. M. M. Dreaver, who said tho ' lecture-room was actually a gymnasium unsuited for study. With the over-crowded hospital, 'tho staff had also experienced a most exacting year. Tho only solution to the problem was the advancement of the plans for the new wing of the Nurses' Home. The report was received.