Classification of Doctors and Nurses

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume XVI, Issue 2, 1 April 1923, Page 84

Classification of Doctors and Nurses

" The profession of Medicine is made up of three groups : an upper third — leaders in research, thought and helpful action, self-immolating altruists, the flower of civilisation ; a middle third — strong, able, clear- minded men, who follow the lead of the upper third ;- and a lower third — prejudiced, ignorant, self-centred, whose approbation is undesirable. The Sanitarian must have the upper two-thirds with him, the lower third against him. The Nurses may be roughly classed as are

the Doctors : upper, middle, and lower thirds. The upper and middle thirds are priceless boons to the community ; the lower third almost as pernicious as the corresponding class of doctors A Health Department cannot successfully administer without the Public Health Nurse, who, if wisely chosen will respect the rights of the doctor, and add to his honour and influence. If she be of the lower third she will embitter, and justly so, the best men of the profession."