Letter Read at the Meeting of the N.Z.T.N.A. on October 2nd

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume XVIII, Issue 4, 1 October 1925, Page 181

Letter Read at the Meeting of the N.Z.T.N.A. on October 2nd

15 Manchester Sqr., London. August 13th, 1925. Dear Miss Inglis, Many thanks for your letter. N.Z. T.N.A. Constitution and your report all safely received. I know you are all anxious to hear how the conference went off. It Avas a wonderful time, a great experience, first I think an education how to organise and plan such a gathering. This was done so excellently. Never any overcrowding and you always seemed to meet fresh people. On arrival you were met, conducted to your car, and printed slip handed to you of your address for future use because these names are so difficult to pronounce. The registering, handed your case with everything inside, badge, armlet, all your invitations, nicely printed and nicely printed programme all done m one visit. The programme was a very full one. Some took much longer than the allotted time, hence no time for discussion. As all was spoken m English and the broken English used by many m a very large hall, made note-taking impossible, therefore I gave it up. A printed copy is being completed and I put my name m for a copy which you may all have. There were over 1,200 nurses from over 36 different countries; very interesting and an education to hear what was boinj> j done m these countries. Some of the people were outstanding. 1. "Teaching m Schools of Nursing Administration " was very good and the research was excellent. I think it is difficult to have a good standing if the small hospitals are to be training schools. I was struck with the report from Norway. No hospital under 100 beds allowed to be a 1 raining school. This would alter the list m our country though I feel something should be done to help the nurses who are compelled to get their training m these small hospitals, f kept ouiet excent that T said new countries were not able to put up these large places

particularly at first and we were hoping to link up with the base school. There are many things the same m every country and lack of funds was the general complaint for hindering progress of nurse education. The Public Health nurse was much discussed — all strongly m favour of first the right woman with a good general training ; if possible the social side of each case early introduced, linked up with the home and family, study on the linos now being tried out at Yale University. A woman wants broad general knowledge to meet humanity m all its complications. 2. "Has the Nursing Profession a responsibility m connection with midwives?" This was all m favour of the profession being responsible. Miss Paterson closed her statement with an account of the Xew Zealand Government grants to the midwives post graduate course. 1 had opportunity at the round table discussion to read your paper and they said New Zealand was largely responsible for the extending of the midwives training m England. France lias a two years training and Germany a three years for the untrained woman, two years for the trained and they send the pupil six weeks to the special baby hospital. T saw the place; very efficient but very institutional. T like the round tables best. Here you could hear and get m touch. 3. "The position of the matron." This Avas discussed by several and they felt m view of her important position that she should report direct to the Board of Directors and be present at the Board meetings. T think this is a pretty general view. { ■ . 4. "The question of Nursing Economics." On the whole the movement is to shorten the hours of the nurses. New Zealand, I think, was one of the most consistent m this way. If the nurse, is to derive the full benefit from her practical training she should not be poisoned .with overwork. All nurses should be teachers of health and if so they must see that

their group is an example. Some suggest the wrong use of the off-duty time but if we had the right women they will use their hours off duty wisely. It has got to come.

Miss Cookson read Miss Maclean's paper on reciprocity. Nothing very outstanding followed m discussion. The varied standards of training systems and education seem to be the hindrance. It was a good paper but as they all agreed a difficult subject. I do wish Miss Maclean, Miss Bicknell, and some of you older experienced teachers had been there. America was too strong, don't you know though they have the subjects all thrashed out by their associations and unless you have, one has no freedom m speaking. I looked for a report from the N.Z. President but none came. I was placed on the Executive Committee without a vote. The important Americans who were to lead the discussion on the Constitution and Bylaws arrived late and executive meetings were delayed. This put things out somewhat m this direction and as the other countries were not so well informed or ready, progress was slow and meetings went on until 1.30 a.m. Another called for 8.30 a.m. and so on. I really was not able to attend these. 1 wanted to meet these people and hear the round tables so discontinued executive meetings. It was agreed that the Secretary should be paid for her services and a charge per capita levelled to assist m providing funds. Also that a headquarters should be set vp — probable cost 4,000 dollars. New Zealand was credited with 1,100 members. It seems a great pity more of our nurses did not join. I wonder what is the reason. Miss Gage, Dean Hunan School China (America), President; Miss Noyes and Miss Gunn (Canada), VicePresidents; Miss Etienmann (Denmark), Secretary; Miss Musson (England) Treasurer, meantime no funds to handle. I was sorry Baroness Mannerheim was not re-elected. She is most international and understands Europe very Avell but what is done cannot be undone. The next conference is to be held m China. Canada lost it r Canada 17 votes, China 24. That

will be nearer for the New Zealand nurses but too distant for Europe. In four years lots may happen. I am not satisfied with this note to you but I was not able to take notes and will forward the printed copy. I think we are all depending upon that because of the language. A large theatre where you could not hear many of the speakers and those you could hear, read the papers too quickly to closely follow. My joy was^ talking with the leaders and instructors from so many different countries — hearing how and what they were doing; the great point of to-day is better and higher education for the nurse before training, for the nurse m training, for the nurse m post-graduate work. America said they lost many good applicants because of the indifferent education and standing of many of their hospital matrons, not of course their leading ones, but I am given to understand this is fast being remedied by a group of college and university women coming on. It was shown that many are given positions as matrons without the qualifications. The question arises of some special preparation. ( i ermany has a special examination for their matrons. I have so much to tell you and one thing jumps out before another. I have been thinking that m New Zealand we should have a matrons' conference. Here m England they have a matrons' association. Then the stronger and more able could help the weaker ones. What do you think about it ? The Medical Superintendents meet and discuss their difficulties; why not the matrons? I have been very struck with the modern up-to-date institutions of Northern Europe and they have a fine type of woman. I have not seen Southern Europe but I hope when T get back to tell you what I have seen m America. My time is now getting to an end m England. ] am really longing for New Zealand. It will be so nice to meet you all again. Excuse my disjointed letter Thankinsr you for your correspondence. Kind regards, Yours very sincerely, JANET MOORE.