Army Nursing Reserve.

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume III, Issue 1, 1 January 1910, Page 46

Army Nursing Reserve.

A matter of interest to trained nurses has cropped up m a movement recently set on foot to form a band of ladies, to be called the " Army Nursing Corps," and to be recruited from ladies who have passed the examination of the St. John's Ambulance Association. This movement originated m a small town m the Auckland district, and we hope is not likely to spread far from its origin. When the proper time comes, that under the new Defence Act, a scheme for a well appointed and organised. nursing reserve can be carried out, we are sure that there will be no difficulty, m this loyal country, m obtaining the services of fully qualified nurses. But the time is not yet ripe, and nurses must be wary of any encroachment on their domain. The President of the N.Z.T.N.A. instructed the Honorary Secretary to forward the following letter to each branch, and their replies are now invited : — The Hon Secretary, Trained Nurses' Association ■ Branch Madam — Miss Maclean wishes me to draw the attention of your Council to the notices which have

recently appeared in the daily papers with regard to theproposed Army Nursing Corps. It would seem that it is intended to form a body of "nurses" from the ranks of those who have passed the St. John Ambulance examinations, who shall be prepared to give their services when called upon in time of war. Will you bring the matter before your Council, with a view to ascertaining if they think it would be advisable for the KZ.T.N.A. to make a strong protest against such women being designated "nurses," and taking the place of fully trained women if at any time the military authorities should require the services of nurses. Even if this corps were to act merely as assistants to properly qualified women, the fact of their being called "nurses" would tend to cause confusion, and to lower the status of the professional nur.se. A suggestion might be sent to the committee that the designation of ihe corps be reconsidered. Perhaps, since the movement sprang from the St. John Ambulance Association, it might be named after that body ? This would in no way militate against its usefulness, and would prevent the possibility of any friction or confusion, such as the present term would possibly engender. Kindly let me hear from you on the subject as soon as convenient. Yours faithfully, 21st January, 1910. J. Bicknell