SHORTAGE OF NURSES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23489, 28 October 1939, Page 13

SHORTAGE OF NURSES

QUESTION OF EDUCATION STANDARD HELD TOO HIGH [nv TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDI>NT] CHRISTCHURCH, Friday Some members of the North Canterbury Hospital Board feel that the educational standard set for girls wishing to enter the nursing profession is too high. The point was debated at the meeting of the board yesterday, when the existing staff shortage at somo hospitals was being discussed. The board had before it a report of its Hospital Committee dealing with the staff of country hospitals. Tin* greatest difficulty was being experienced in obtaining nursing staff for the board's country hospitals, the report said, and it had been necessary to employ relieving nurses to fill positions. Mr. H. A. Bennett told members that he had particulars of two girls of ster ling character and qualities, apparently highly suitable for the profession, who had been rejected apparently for some lack oT educational qualification. It seemed to him, in the case of one girl in particular, who apparently failed to answer a question of geography, that the girls were refused for reasons which did not concern their real abilities as nurses. He asked that the committee give the girls another chance. Mr. J. S. Barnett said that for tlirboard to lower the standard would be n retrograde step. He'quoted a ease where it had been proved, he claimed, that lack of ordinary intelligence in a girl caused a serious disaster.