NURSING “AIDS”

Evening Star, Issue 23370, 13 September 1939, Page 3

NURSING “AIDS”

PROVISION TG STRENGTHEN STAFFS REGISTRATION BILL INTRODUCED [Pun United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, September 12. Authority for the registration and training of nursing aids is contained in the Nurses and Midwives Registration Amendment Bill, which was introduced by Governor-General’s message in the House of Representatives to-day. A “ nursing aid ” is defined as a person other than a registered or qualified nurse who is fitted by virtue, of special training to undertake nursing duties. The registration as nursing aids will be available to persons who can satisfy tbo authorities that they are not less than 19 years of age, that they have received in an approved training school not less than two years’ theoretical instruction and practical training, that they have passed the prescribed examination, and are of good character and reputation. Any hospital or other institution controlled by the State or a hospital board, or any private charitable institution approved by the authorities may be used as training schools for nursing aids. The Bill also contains several clauses of a miscellaneous nature. One of these provides that mental hospitals may be approved as training schools for nurses. Registered nurses, midwives, maternity nurses, or nursing aids shall be required after next February to take out annual practising certificates, and the conditions for the issue of these are also set out. The authorities are given power in cases of grave impropriety or misconduct to suspend registration, but provision is made for the right of appeal. Penalties arc provided for the use of a nursing uniform by unregistered persons. The Bill was read a first time.