The New Zealand Trained Nurses' Association

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume II, Issue 3, 1 July 1909, Page 77

The New Zealand Trained Nurses' Association

We must draw the attention of our country readers to the report of the Hon. Secretary on the formation of the New Zealand Trained Nurses* Association, and ask them to give their help to forwarding the objects of the Association, which we hope will be for the betterment of our profession in every way. Let no one feel that because she is in a distant part of the Dominion her help can be of no value, or that she herself can get no benefit from being a member of the Association. That need not be so, for every member will surely have the opportunity at some time of attending a meeting, or being present at some social gathering. When she is leaving her distant hospital for her annual holiday, she will have an added interest in coming to town,

where she will be able to meet her sister nurses and exchange views with them in a way in which it was impossible when all were scattered units. There will also be a great pleasure in the feeling of fellowship in belonging to a great body of co-workers with the same ideals before them, and with the same sympathies. We must, however, guard against any element of trades unionism creeping in among us. A nurse must be a woman, working, not in the first place for the sake of money-mak-ing, but for the good of her fellow creatures, to alleviate suffering when she can, and help towards health those who need her care. In doing this she may legitimately look forward to earning her living in the way in which her natural instincts lead her.

In the wider outlook which is opening day by day before the trained nurse in the many avenues of work in which her professional knowledge can find scope, co-operation will, there is no doubt, be of the greatest value. Will it not then be well for every nurse in New Zealand to aid in building up an Association which will be strong enough to have the power of expressing the desires of its members, and their well-considered views on the leading questions of the day concerning nursing matters to those in authority and thus have a voice in their own government ? We therefore ask all nurses, especially those

distant from the centres, where the formation of nurses' associations has been discussed largely, to interest themselves in the newlyformed organisation of New Zealand nurses, and if not already members to become so without delay, so that they, too, may have a part in things which so vitally concern them. The membership of any one of the branch Associations, the youngest of which has almost completed its first year of existence, constitutes membership of the New Zealand Trained Nurses* Association, and a member from the farthest corner of the Islands is as welcome as one from a chief city.