Dunedin Trained Nurses' Association

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume I, Issue 2, 1 April 1908, Page 31

Dunedin Trained Nurses' Association

The Dunedin Trained Nurses' Association held a general meeting at the St. John's Ambulance rooms on 9th March, to meet Miss Maclean. There was a very good attendance, about 40 members being present. Miss Fraser, who was invited to be present, regretted that she could not accept the invitation of the members of the Association, as she was so busy in preparing for the

opening of the new wing of the Hospital next day. Miss Tombe was also unavoidably absent, and Dr. Siedeberg regretted a previous engagement. The president, Miss Thomson, invited Dr. Will to take the chair, and the rules were read and revised. It was suggested that the midwifery nurses should form an auxiliary branch, and be put

in a separate list of members, those midwifery nurses who have also a certificate of general training to be on both lists. Miss Gow, of St. Helen's Hospital, spoke on behalf of the midwifery nurses, who had been largely instrumental in forming the Association, and said that they would be glad to do anything for the general good of the Association, and that they were assured that this arrangement would make no difference to the privileges of the midwifery nurses in the Association. It was then proposed that in view of the approaching state registration of mental nurses, an auxiliary branch of mental trained nurses be formed. It was pointed out that as no mental nurses had yet been registered until the results of the examination in progress were determined, this could be held over till a future date. The interests of mental nurses are at present represented by Miss Beswick, Matron of Seacliif Hospital, and Mrs Milne, Matron of Ashburn Hall, both members of the Association by virtue of their general training. Miss Maclean was invited to become patroness of the Association, and consented to do so. Refreshments were provided by a subcommittee, composed of Mrs. Fraser, Mrs. McGregor, Mrs. Milne (all ex-nurses), and Nurse Donald. A meeting was called to discuss the scheme for the Lady Plunket nurses. A meeting of delegates from the Nursing Association, with the Co'uniittee of the League for the Promotion of the Health of Women and Children was arranged, Dr. Will, Miss Thomson, and Miss Jeffreys to be the delegates, and to represent the advisability of fully-trained nurses being appointed. The deputation to meet the Society for the Promotion of the Health of Women and Children consisted of Dr. Will, Nurses Thomson, Barclay., and Jeffries, and was introduced by Dr. Williams. The case was put and discussed, and an assurance was given that no more uncertificated nurses would be appointed. The following are copies of the letter sent by the Nursing Association to Her Excellency Lady Plunket, and her reply to it : — Trained Nurses' Association, Box 128, Dunedin, 7th April, 1908. To Her Excellency Lady Plunket, Government House, Auckland. Madam, — I am instructed by my Council to write to you concerning the degree of

training which is, at present, suggested to be given to nurses training for the honoured title of " Lady Plunket Nurses." As these nurses are to bear your Excellency's name, we consider that it is but right that the nurses should have gone through a course of training and discipline under doctors and fully-trained nurses, who would instil into them all those points of efficiency, courtesy, and honourable conduct which are expected from women belonging to the noble profession of nursing. Women who have not been educated up to the traditions of their profession would soon be found wanting in everything that goes to the making of a good nurse. We, therefore, respectfully desire that it may be your wish that " Lady Plunket Nurses " should have previously obtained their certificates at one of the hospitals recognised by Government as a training school for nurses. As a Trained Nurses' Association we could not otherwise admit them ' as members, and that alone would seem to cast a slur on a title which should be regarded with the highest honour. Again, the public, holding your name in honour, will naturally think that the nurses bearing it are the best obtainable in New Zealand, and will refer to them for advice in all kinds of ailments affecting their children or themselves, of whatever nature. If these nurses are not fully trained they will not be in a position to give reliable advice, and much harm may be done and valuable time lost before seeking a doctor's aid. We do not wish to protest against the existing rights of Nurse McKinnon, who, we recognise, has had exceptional advantages under the immediate tutorship of Dr. Truby King, advantages which no woman in future can possibly have, even with a year's training at Karitane. We respectfully solicit your earnest consideration of these points, and hope soon to have a body of nurses among us, bearing an honoured name, who have been trained to live up to the highest traditions of their profession, and whose title will ensure for them the respect alike of the medical profession, their fellow-nurses, and the public generally. I have the honour to be, Madam, Your Excellency's obedient servant, {Signed) C. G. Jeffreys, Hon. Secretary.

Copy of letter received from Her Excellency Lady Plunket, by the Trained Nurses Association, Dunedin : — Government House, Wellington, N.Z. To the Hon. Secretary, Trained Nurses' Association. Lady Plunket presents her compliments, and is much obliged for the letter received. Lady Plunket feels certain that the Council of " The Plunket Nurses " will agree that those nurses should have the training the Nurses' Association requires in order to comply with the rules of the Promotion of Health of Women and Children. Lady Plunket trusts that the Council will receive a perfectly satisfactory answer to their request. 10th April, 1908. The rules for the Plunket Nurses are as follows : — 1. The services of the nurse in her special sphere of work are at the disposal, gratis, of any member of the community, whether rich or poor, who chooses to apply to her directly or through a member of the Committee. 2. It is expressly enjoined that where a medical man is in actual attendance the nurse is not to act without his consent, and that she is to consider herself at all times the loyal servant of the doctor where her services are called in. 3. A Plunket Nurse is a nurse engaged in the work of any of the various branches of the Society for the Promotion of the Health of Women and Children throughout the Dominion of New Zealand. Existing rights should be conserved, but in future appointments the nurse should be either (a) a duly qualified Hospital Nurse or (b) a qualified maternity nurse, trained at one of the institutions recognised by the Government. [In the former case, there should be three months' training at the Karitane Home, and in visiting cases outside. In the case of the maternity nurse there should be six months' similar special training. At the end of the period an examination would be held with a view to the granting of a certificate of proficiency. 4. The nurse to be entitled to be called a Plunket Nurse only so long as she is em-

ployed as such in the work of the Society, her working badge to be returned to the Society on giving up the work. 5. The salary during the term of probationary training not to exceed £12 a year The minimum salary for a Plunket Nurse to be £100 per annum. 6. Uniform. — Silver grey coat and bonnet for out-door ; silver grey cotton uniform for in-door, white apron, collar and cuffs. 7. The nurse should have one month holiday in the year, either to be taken at one time or at two periods in the year. Local Committees to decide details. In conjunction with the Dunedin Trained Nurses' Association, a club has been formed, and the St. John's Ambulance rooms having been placed at the disposal of the members, the club room is open every Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., when members and nurses visiting Dunedin will be welcomed by Mrs. H. Mime, the Dunedin agent for the N.Z. nurses journal — Kai Tiaki. Afternoon tea will be dispensed by Mrs. Milne, who will be pleased to gather any items of interest for publication in the Journal. Trained nurses visiting Dunedin are invited by the Council to attend Association meetings, and may use the telephone bureau at a fee of 2s 6d per case.