Testimonials: A Paper read at Nurses' Conference.

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume XVI, Issue 4, 1 October 1927, Page 203

Testimonials : A Paper read at Nurses ' Conference.

There is no one more dependent on recommendation (or testimonials) than a nurse. The necessity begins with her application for training, is present when she comes forth — a graduate — and continues as long and as often as she desires to change her field of service. Her least requirement is, of course, when newly graduated, before she has had an opportunity of nursing independently of supervision. This first testimonial is easy to give. Owing to the standardisation of the training course little is necessary beyond mention of time spent m training with remarks on the personality of the graduate. Valuable testimonials are uncommon — even rare. Those presented by appii-

cants for nursing positions are often of little use for evaluating fitness. Many of them contain only extravagant praise associated with no circumstances m particular, and expressions of good wishes. When such a recommendation comes from anyone m authority one is apt to be reminded of the saying, "Give a good testimonial to get her away." There is, too, the testimonial that with much use of superlatives gives a forecast, "In any position Miss X will give highest satisfaction. Most capable, etc., etc."

In these, if we eliminate the good wishes, expressions of personal regard (or taste) and the obvious desire to please Miss X, there is nothing left.

A request for a testimonial is apt to have a ilattering effect on the authority

appealed to — and thus gets reflected on paper. No doubt this is a very human weakness — a little pleasant sense of power — a benevolence, of doing a favour that costs nothing. Again there is the incidence of — shall we say — chivalry. The applicant may be visualised, if not as a damsel m distress, at least as m need of some help. And there is the testimonial worded to contain no information easy to interpret. Nevertheless, testimonials must continue to be given and received. What then to do? What is of value? There needs a careful evaluation of the nursing power — and of the claims of the desired service— and exercise of both charity and courage. First m importance is the record of work a nurse (or sister, or any officer) has done. This includes the time spent m the position, or positions, the branch of work (re medical, pediatric, theatre, etc.), the size of institution, number of

teds, etc. The writer's opinion of the quality of the work done follows. If executive work has been done or allied, of course comment on administrative ability is included, and ethical and professional standards are indicated. Reasons for relinquishing positions, or ""no reason assigned," should be stated. No less than this will serve. Prophesying a nurse's reaction to a proposed future environment is of little value — and rather incautious. The past work is the guide to the future. A recommendation should have the effect of stimulating a nurse to achieve better work, to justify what has been written. A grave responsibility rests on those who must write testimonials; for them to hear the distant call of colleague for helpers — see, as m a vision afar off, the sick and dying who wait for nursing service, happy are they who, m commending the nurse, know themselves to be serving these.