ENGAGING HOSPITAL NURSES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2071, 4 May 1907, Page 2

ENGAGING HOSPITAL NURSES.

A BIT OF A BREEZE. At the meeting of the Hospital Trustees last niglit the chairman reported that the nursing staff had been increased, three certificated nurses having been secured. The new nurses expressed themselves very satisfied with the institution, the appointments being on a larger scale than most hospitals. One of the nurses came from Home, and another from Australia. The former expressed regret that her time at the hospital was so short, namely, one month. Air. Bright: “AA'ho engaged these nurses?” The Chairman: “I don’t know; I’m sure l don’t. I knew nothing about it.” Mr. Bright: “This seems a matter which we should look into.” All - . Dewing said the matron made the appointments. - She had always engaged tho ffffrses.

Mr. F. Lysnar said this was contrary to their by-laws. AH'. Kenway said lie did not think it was the trustees’ work to select nurses. It was a matter for the matron.

The Chairman said the matron apparently kept herself in touch with the nurses of New Zealand, and Australia also, as the appointment of a nurse from that colony testified. The fact that tho nurses were certificated gave them to understand that they were competent, just as certain qualifications attached to doctors’ names asserted their superiority over less qualified men. In regard to the appointment of nurses, lie (ihe chairman) had often told the matron to get nurses, as her department was understaffed. She had replied that nurses were not to ho had at a moment’s notice for emergency work. They were not to he picked lip like mushrooms. She had now made her appointments, and her nursing staff was complete. Mr. Matthews said this question would he brought up again when his notice of motion in regard to the medical superintendent was dealt with.