Annual Conference

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume XVI, Issue 4, 1 October 1927, Page 184

Annual Conference

New Zealand Trained Nurses' Association,

The Annual Conference of the Association was held from October 4th to 7th, 1927, m Wellington. The President, Miss Pengelly, was m the chair, and the delegates present were : — Mrs. Thomson. Hawkes Bay ; Mrs. Kidd and Miss Bagley, Auckland; Misses Stott, Kohn, MeRae and Barnitt, Wellington ; Misses Every and Arnold, Nelson; Miss Buckley, Canterbury ; Misses Young and Tennent, Otago ; Miss Lambie, deputy delegate, Taranaki ; Misses Benjamin and Preston, Wanganui ; and Miss Inglis (Honorary General Secretary) .

The Conference was opened by the Minister of Health (Hon. J. A. Young), who, with Dr. Valintine, was introduced by Miss Pengelly.

Mr. Young, on behalf of the Government, extended a welcome to the delegates to the Conference and hoped their

deliberations would be profitable. The nursing profession, like others, had its trials, but he was sure it was the desire of its members to help the progress of their chosen calling, and he felt sure such conferences were helpful m bringing together nurses engaged m all branches of the work, private as well as institutional, and enabling all to consider their problems from every point of view. They must remember that it was one of the finest professions m the world, that of ministering to suffering humanity. There were one or two problems which he knew would receive their attention, that of the higher training of nurses and a diploma of nursing, and he hoped the Conference would consider this with regard to the difficulties of the Department. It was important that something m the nature of a post-graduate course for nurses be promoted, to enable them to keep up to

date and give those m administrative positions training to act as teachers m the larger hospitals, and he thought there should be no serious difficulty m arranging this between the Department, the hospitals, and some school of learning. Another question was that of the maternity nurse m relation to the qualification for midwifery. Difficulty had arisen through the Nurses' and Midwives' Registration Board not recognising all hospital training as midwives, that was, m taking full charge of obstetric cases, and this had given rise to dissatisfaction m some quarters. It must be remembered that the Registration Board was a statutory body created by Parliament, and not under the control of the Department. The Nurses' Association had representation on this, and it was for them to bring pressure, if they saw fit, to alter the qualification. It must be remembered, however, that m some of the smaller hospitals there was no opportunity for training midwifery nurses to take cases without a doctor, and it must be borne m mind that New Zealand had reciprocal relations with Great Britain, so that our nurses' registration was recognised there, and care must be taken not to depreciate the value of the qualifications of nurses m New Zealand. Mr. Young assured the Conference he would be pleased to hear anything they might like to lay before him at the conclusion of their meetings. Dr. Valintine also spoke briefly and welcomed the visitors and said that m the matter of the higher training of nurses arrangements might develop m ■connection with the University, though it might not be Otago. Miss Pengelly, on behalf of the Conference, thanked the Minister and Dr. Valintine for their presence. She then welcomed the delegates to this the tenth Conference of the Trained Nurses' Association. "These meetings/ she continued, "gain m importance each year. By profitable discussion many difficulties can be dealt with satisfactorily. Our chief subject for discussion at present is the question of a post-graduate course for nurses. This course was deleted from the Otago University calendar

since the last conference. Our energetic secretary, Miss Inglis, has had much correspondence on the subject, and I have no doubt that it is largely due to her effort that the matter has been so well ventilated. We hope to have shortly a definite statement with reference to the post-graduate course. Correspondence has been received from the Pan-Pacific Women's Committee with reference to the Conference which is being held m Honolulu m July, 1928. This Committee is anxious that the Trained Nurses' Association should send a delegate. Some nurse taking a trip to Honolulu at that time might be pleased to act as such. If we are unable to send a delegate, it is suggested that one or more members might contribute a paper to be read at the Conference. Since our last Conference we have been honoured by Her Excellency Lady Alice Fergusson consenting to become Patroness of the Association. We are very glad to welcome two new branches — Taranaki and Wanganui — as part of the Trained Nurses' Association. Report for the Year 1926-1927. . Since the beginning of the year Her Excellency, Lady Alice Fergusson, has consented to become Patroness of the Association. We are very glad to have her interest and support. Soon after the last Conference the Association received the disturbing news that the nursing course had been deleted from the calendar of the Otago University. The University Council stated that they would be prepared to reinstate it if satisfactory financial aid were obtained, but m the meantime there would be no such course at the Otago University. The Association, since then, has tried m every way to obtain the necessary assistance. The Auckland University was approached and a deputation from the Auckland Branch of the Association waited upon the Chancellor and Council. They expressed themselves as willing to institute a post-graduate course m Auckland if aid were given. The Minister of Health was then approached through Dr. Valintine, and he promised to make a recommendation to Cabinet. After wait-

ing for five months, the Minister was asked if any decision had been reached m the matter. He replied that it was under consideration. As there was evidently no hope of Government assistance m the near future, the Association decided to collect funds for the purpose, and they have met with considerable success. Last month the University Councils of Auckland and Otago were asked if they would pay the salary of one nurse lecturer if that of the other were guaranteed. No reply has so far been received. We are very glad to welcome two new branches to the Association — Taranaki and Wanganui. The balance sheet for the nurses* journal, "Kai Tiaki," shows a profit for the year of £18, but many subscribers are still very dilatory m sending their subscriptions. These are all due m January, and as the sum of £94 is m arrears for this year alone, that means that roughly over 300 subscribers are behind-hand with payment. Once more Aye appeal for prompt payment of subscriptions. EDNA PENGELLY, President. H. C. INGLIS, Hon. General Secretary. Apologies and good wishes for the success of the Conference were received from the Presidents of the following branches : — Auckland, Mrs. Tracy Inglis ; Hawkes Bay, Miss Macdonald; Wanganui, Miss McKenny. The reading of the minutes and of correspondence received and answered, also the annual report, occupied the first day. Remits 1 and 7 were taken together. Remit 1. — That all eligible nurses engaged m Public Health work and Nursing Education be urged to become members of the New Zealand Trained Nurses' Association m order to confer and promote round table discussion on points of mutual interest, thereby strengthening each other and forming one strong united organisation.

Remit 7. — That the internal working of the 'Trained Nurses' Association be reconstructed so that it may meet the needs of the various branches into which the nursing

profession has developed. It is recognised that the various sections of nursing each have their own problems which only relate to their special work. Consequently, it is suggested that for working purposes each branch Association should be subdivided into three groups: — Nursing Education; Private Nursing; Public Health.

Miss Lambie was asked to address the meeting about the reorganisation of the working of the Association. She stated that the nurses m Canada work the Canadian Association m this manner, dividing it into sections. The London College of Nursing had also adopted this method of dividing into sections, and found it invaluable m promoting interest m the profession.

The Canadian section, Miss Lambie continued, with which I am most familiar, has enormously strengthened its position by this method. The work is divided into three groups — Nursing Education, Private Nursing and Public Health. Each section has its own problems and deals specially with them.

As regards Nursing Education m New Zealand, those interested m this section would be Matrons and Sisters of Training Schools, either general or maternity. Private nursing comprises those engaged m private hospitals. Public Health work is a recent institution m New Zealand, and during the last ten years it has doubled m strength. This subject requires to be studied by people with a special knowledge. No one person can lay down rules for any public health conditions. Plunket nurses have a separate alumni association for studying their own problems. The Sanitary Institute is inviting public health nurses to become associated members of the institute. We are fortunate m having at present only one national Trained Nurses' Association m New Zealand, and it is essential it should remain so. Therefore, it is necessary to study without our association all aspects of nursing work. The adoption of the sectional method would assist this.

I think the dividing of the Association into sections will help to put new life into the internal working of the Association. Each section will have its own problems and discuss them among them-

selves, the private nurses talking" over their difficulties with private nurses ; the public health nurse with public health nurses, etc. This will tend to create more interest among the nurses m the Association.

In International Councils, where they have these sections, each section is represented m the main body. If we have these sections we will have a better understanding* of the aims and details of other Associations. At present, owing to long distances, we are handicapped and have difficulty when dealing* with questions sent by the International Council. I strongly urge the Association to adopt these sections and so put fresh life into the Association.

Miss Bagley, referring to the suggested sections : There is no midwifery section. I am wondering to what section they would be admitted. Should we admit them to private nursing section as members through their qualifications?

A Member: They might come under Public Health. Public Health section embraces ante-natal work and infant life protection.

Miss Lambie: Midwifery is definitely part of the Public Health programme. Midwifery nurses belong to that section, and if these nurses are on the Council it cannot effect reciprocity. One member may belong to two sections — to Public Health and Private Nursing.

Mrs. Kidd: Is each section represented on the local Council?

Miss Lambie : There is a small committee of each section of not more than three members who automatically become members of the Council, the chairman always being one. I think it best to leave it to each local branch. Of course, what suits Canada may not suit New Zealand at all. We must evolve our own system, but I do think it would be of tremendous value to have these sections.

Miss Buckley proposed that Remits 1 and 7be passed as they stand. Miss Young" seconded the proposal, with the amendment that a copy of the Otago suggestions m this connection be sent to the branches, and they be asked to deal with the matter and develop the branches accordingly.

Remit 2. — That the existence of the Nurses 1 Menu/rial Fund be brought more clearly before the medical profession, the nursing profession, and the public. '

Miss Pengelly (President) said that more attention should be drawn to the Nurses' Memorial Fund, and that if the origin and reason for it were better known and discussed, more interest would be taken m the subject by nurses themselves.

Miss Buckley suggested that occasional notices m the daily papers would serve to interest the general public. Especially people who had money to leave to various funds. Wealthy people would possibly become interested m the Nurses' Memorial Fund if their attention was drawn to the matter and the purposes for which the fund is used were made known throughout New Zealand.

Miss Stott : We must interest the nurses themselves. The fund is for nurses who are m financial difficulties, but nurses generally do not seem to know about it. It was advisable that the notice of women generally should be drawn to this fund.

Mrs. Kidd proposed that the National Council of Women should be interested m the Nurses' Memorial Fund, as they could be of considerable help if approached.

The following motion was proposed by Miss Buckley and seconded by Miss Kohn : "That an account of the aims and origin of the fund be published m ' Kai Tiaki/ with an account of the financial condition, and that if possible, extracts should be copied into daily papers throughout the Dominion."

Miss Young proposed and Miss Buckley seconded : "That the Honorary Secretary write to the head of the Legal Association of New Zealand Avith reference to the Memorial Fund."

Miss Pengelly suggested that a short history of the Memorial Fund be written and sent to all local branches. Dunedin would be the most suitable place to do it, as all data would be to hand. She proposed that Miss Holford be asked to write it.

Miss Stott suggested that if Miss Holford was too busy or could not undertake it, Miss H. Maclean should be approached.

Miss Tennent proposed and Miss Bagley seconded: ' That a short history of the Nurses' Memorial Fund be written by Miss Holford with Dr. Young's cooperation. Failing Miss Holford, that Miss H. Maclean be asked to take her place."

Miss Tennent remarked that most nurses were giving 2s. 6d. subscription annually to this fund, which was a great help. It was pointed out that the new branches had not been notified of this custom, and they were asked to send similar subscriptions to their Branch Secretary, who would forward them to Mrs. Bundle, Honorary Secretary, Nurses' Memorial Fund, 26 Tweed Street, Roslyn, Dunedin.

Remit 3. — That the Matrons of Public Hospitals be asked for their co-operation m bringing before their nurses the desirability of becoming members of the Association.

Miss Pengelly stated that although Matrons are very busy people, they can still be asked to do more, and they should be urged to do all m their power to interest their nurses m the Association and to induce them to become members. It was pointed out that not all the Matrons are members of the Association.

Miss Bagley suggested that all branches be asked to circularise the Matrons of Public Hospitals with the view to inducing them to become members of the Association, and to endeavour to interest the members of their staff and get them to join the Association. The Matrons should see that the nurses knew the origin of the Association, and bring before them the benefits they would receive as members.

Miss Pengelly : You cannot compel nurses to join the Association, but it could be suggested to Matrons that nurses looking for positions m hospitals should be asked if they are members, preference being given to applicants who are members. In this way nurses would soon see that unless they join they will

have less chance of work than members, and so they will be practically made to join.

Miss Bagley proposed, and it was seconded by Miss Buckley: "That the Secretaries of the local branches be asked to circularise the Matrons of their districts, with the object of their joining the Association and persuading their staff to join also."

Miss Kohn gave notice of motion that nurses, on completing their training, should automatically become members of the Association.

Exception was taken to the word automatically.

Remit 4. — That maternity nurses who are registered on their training be eligible for membership of the Association.

Miss Pengelly: There are now two classes of maternity nurses. We have to consider what is done m other countries and what effect the admission of maternity nurses to membership would have on our position as regards the International Council of Nurses. I see no reason why a fully trained maternity nurse should not be allow r ed to join the Association; m fact, I think it would be imposing a great hardship on this class of nurse if they are refused membership.

Miss Tennent said that m England midwifery nurses are not admitted as members. If we admit maternity nurses to the Association, would they be recognised outside of New Zealand, and what effect would such admission have on the question of reciprocity? The standard of midwifery training m New Zealand has been raised, and is now higher than that given m England or Australia. Miss Mcßae proposed that Remit No. 4be taken as read. This was seconded by Miss Kohn, who suggested maternity nurses could belong to an auxiliary section. Miss Lambie: I suggest that the International Council of Nurses at Geneva be approached on the matter. Miss Kohn: Meantime, could we not make them associate members of the Association ? Miss Buckley moved as an amendment, seconded by Mrs. Thompson: " That ma-

ternity nurses be admitted as associate members of the Association until such time as the matter can be fully dealt with." This was carried. Remit 5. — That all branches of the Association be asked to insist on all applications for membership being accompanied by a letter front the Matron of applicant's Training School or a satisfactory equivalent. Mrs. Thompson stated that an application for membership had been refused, as it was unaccompanied by a letter from the Matron, the applicant being unable to obtain the said letter. Miss Pengelly said m such a case a satisfactory equivalent was usually accepted. It was agreed that this was the rule m most branches. Miss Young proposed that Hawkes Bay Branch be informed that a satisfactory equivalent is accepted m place of Matron's letter when such is unobtainable. Remit 6. — That Hospital Boards be asked to give registered nurses free treatment m Public Hospitals. Miss Tennent: I do not consider the matter is one for this board to deal with. Mrs. Kidd said that a charge was made m Auckland Hospital, but only on account of the auditor's inspection. Miss Tennent: No person is compelled to pay who is unable to do so. Mrs. Kidd: It is a matter which should be left to Hospital Boards to deal with, taking into consideration the merits of individual cases. Miss Pengelly stated, on the whole nurses were generously treated by Hospital Boards, and m many cases granted a month of sick leave. It was decided that this matter should be left to the generosity of the Hospital Boards. SUBJECTS FOR DISCUSSION. No. 1. — Re Subscriptions m Case of Transfer. Miss Pengelly: The present arrangement of transfers is that if the fee is paid to her own branch a nurse may transfer to another branch and carry on for the current year.

The point was raised as to whether a further fee should be paid m case of transfer from one board to another. Mrs. Kidd stated it was not usual to ask for any further fee m connection with transfer, provided mention was made on transfer paper of fees being paid up to date, i.e., until the end of the financial year, which was definitely fixed for all branches for the end of October, Miss Pengelly said the fixing of one date for end of financial year for all branches had been done with a view to simplifying transfers. There was an enquiry from New Plymouth when a transfer was wanted for four months only (a member was taking Plunket training). What would happen about the fees m such a case? A Member: They could transfer temporarily, provided they made application to the Branch. The motion was proposed by Miss Bagley and seconded by Miss Stott: "That the Branches be asked to state the financial position of a member m the case of a transfer, and no additional fee to be asked for during the current year." No. 2.— Re Adoption of Straight-out 12--hour Duty for Private Nurses. Mrs. Kidd: In private nursing the actual 12-hour duty is not practical. It means a 12-hour day and night duty. We do not know at what hour a patient will be ill ; there must be give and take ; it must be an elastic arrangement. Miss Lambie : It simply means two nurses must be employed, one for day, one for night. This will prevent many people being nursed m their own homes on account of the expense. Miss Young: Or they will employ untrained nurses where they can get them at a cheaper rate. Miss Pengelly : It is lowering the standard of nursing, bringing it down to the level of a waterside worker. We have a high standard to maintain. A nurse must use her own common sense m the treatment of individual cases. She cannot work all the time, and she should try to arrange for time off when most convenient. I do not consider the straight out 12-hour duty a practical suggestion.

Miss Buckley: With a straight-out 12--hour duty. If the patient takes a bad turn just when the nurse is going off duty and she leaves at such a time, our profession would be ruined. It is an impossible position. Miss Tennent asked if the duty referred to private work or private hospitals.

Miss Pengelly: To them all; there is also a 10-hour duty. I dont' know how it is arranged, but it is also bringing m ideas which are lowering the standard of nursing. Miss Bagley: This request is contrary to the spirit of nursing. Miss Mcßae: It is bringing down the nursing profession to a commercial basis. Miss Pengelly : It is impossible to give a right service with this straight-out 12--hour duty. You cannot tell when a patient is going to be ill, and you certainly do not expect, if you are employing a special nurse, that she should walk out just when she is most needed. Miss Stott: If the case is a short one. the nurse can do day and night duty, but she cannot keep it up indefinitely. Miss Pengelly: It is only when a patient is m extremis that a nurse is called on to do any night duty, and that does not last long. Ordinarily, a patient can spare the nurse some time off during the day. Where a long duty is necessary m the case of a busy time, the time should be made up to the nurse when less busy, and she should be prepared to carry on when required. The straight-out 12-hour duty is designed for the lowering of the nursing standard.

Miss Stott : Is it not hard for nurses going from one bad case to another? They cannot possibly get a rest.

Miss Young: It is often very hard on the nurse, but the straight-out 12-hour duty is not the remedy; she cannot leave her patient.

Mrs. Thompson proposed, and it was seconded by Miss Bagley: 'That the straight-out 12-hour duty for nurses is not practicable as no hard and fast rule can be made." — Carried.

No. 3. — Re Proposal of Approaching N.Z.B.M.A. with Reference to giving Preference to Employment of Trained Nurses. There was considerable discussion on this subject, members making a point that untrained women should not be paid at the same rate as trained nurses. It was recognised that there are many cases such as m a long convalescence, where a trained nurse is not required. It was decided that the matter be left to the branches to deal with as they think fit.

An emergency remit, with reference to the dismissal of Matrons by Hospital Boards, was discussed at length, and the following resolution was passed: —

"That a recommendation be sent from this Association to the Director-General of Health and also to the Hospital Boards' Association, that before the final dismissal of the Matron of a hospital, the reasons for such action should be laid before the Director-General of Health, for as the approval of his Department is necessary before an appointment is confirmed, this Council considers that Departmental approval of the proposed dismissal is equally desirable."

A discussion took place regarding the new Act which governs the training of midwifery and maternity nurses. Examinations twice yearly were asked for, and also that maternity nurses might be allowed to complete their training as midwives without a year's interval between the courses. It was explained that if the various training schools will be patient, things are likely to right themselves, but that the scheme should be given a fair trial.

It was decided to refer to the Nurses and Midwives' Registration Board the question of the position of untrained women who complete their maternity training, then take a full course of general training, and after that enter for a four months' midwifery course.

A resolution was passed that the fund raised for the Grace Neill Memorial should be devoted to the purpose of founding a library m connection with the post-graduate course, to be called the Grace Neill Memorial Library.

Local secretaries of the branches are asked to be responsible for sending matter for publication m "Kai Tiaki" by the advertised date.

The next Conference will be held m Dunedin.

The officers for the coming year were elected as follows : — President, Miss Young; Vice-Presidents, the Presidents-

elect of the Branches ; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Miss Inglis ; Auditors, Messrs. Wilberfoss and Anderson.

Before the conclusion of the Conference, various votes of thanks were passed to the President, the Hon. Secretary, and to all those who had contributed to making the Conference a success.