SHORTAGE OF NURSES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20083, 1 November 1939, Page 10

SHORTAGE OF NURSES

QUESTION OF EDUCATION STANDARD TOO HIGH? Some members of the North Canterbury Hospital Board feel that the educational standard set for girls wishing to enter the nursing profession is too high. The point was debated the the latest meeting of the board, when the existing staff shortage at some hospitals was being discussed.

The board had before it a report of its hospital committee dealing with the staff of country hospitals. The greatest difficulty, was being experienced in obtaining nursing stall for the board’s country hospitals, the report said, and it had been necessary, to employ relieving nurses to fill positions. Mr. 11. A. Bennett told members that he had particulars of two girls of sterling character and qualities, apparently highly suitable lor the profession, who had been rejected apparently for some lack of educational qualification. It seemed to him, in the case of one girl in particular, who apparently failed to answer a question of geography, that the girls were refused for reasons which did not concern their real abilities as nurses. He asked that the committee give the girls another chance.

Mr. J. S. Barnett said that for the board to lower the standard would be a retrograde step. He quoted a case where it had been proved, he claimed that lack of ordinary intelligence in a girl caused a serious disaster.