New Zealand Trained Nurses' Association

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume VIII, Issue 2, 1 April 1915, Page 61

New Zealand Trained Nurses' Association

Canterbury Branch

Instead of the ordinary monthly meeting m January, the President invited all the members and friends to a garden party m the Hospital grounds. The day was beautifully warm and fine, and the grounds were looking their best. Tennis was much enjoyed on the grass courts ; and tea served under the oak tree. A large number availed themselves of the invitation and much enjoyed the afternoon. In February the usual Council and general meetings were held ; at the latter Dr. Sandstein delivered a very interesting address on the advantages of becoming a member of T.N.A. , and the necessity for all trained nurses to join and take a live interest m the Association, and to take a stand m all matters pertaining to women's work and position. Especially should the Association be represented on all committees dealing with social purity, and all matters pertaining to the health of women. At a previous meeting a discussion had taken place — -brought forward by the private nurses — as to the undesirability of the medical profession employing untrained nurses to nurse their patients and paying them the full remuneration when trained nurses were available. It was decided to send a deputation to the Medical Congress, when it met m February. Miss Thurston, President, and Miss Hood, VicePresident, were chosen as delegates. Accordingly request was made to the medical

conference , and they agreed to receive the deputation, on the morning of 25th February. The council were most courteous m their reception of the deputation. Miss Thurston explained the object of the deputation and Miss Hood gave various instances of untrained nurses being employed — ■ not only by private persons, but by members of the Medical Association. A discussion then followed, and the following resolution proposed by Dr. McGavin was carried : — '' That the Divisions of the New Zealand Branch of the British Medical Association be requested to instruct their members that it is desirable m all cases when possible , to employ registered nurses m preference to unregistered women/ Miss Thurston then thanked the Council for the reception and the kindly manner m which they proposed to assist the T.N.A Note. — There is no doubt a good deal m this grievance of trained nurses which, however, has been led to m many cases by the difficulty m nay times of epidemic, or, some years back, much illness, for a medical practitioner to obtain a registered nurse, and one with a little experience has been employed. This one has perhaps shown aptitude and been agreeable to the patient, aiid has gone on from year to year gaining experience and still being employed. The injustice is that these women are given the same pay as a registered nurse, who has given her three and four years to study ; and that the doctor when recommending such a one has nob explained to the patient that her fee should be less.