THIS NURSING PROFESSION.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 March 1920, Page 2

THIS NURSING PROFESSION.

DEARTH OF PROBATIONERS- 1 l “Up to the present the Matron has * been fortunate in always being; able to ' fill vacancies on the nursing staff but 1 the waiting list is lessening yearly, and as a consequence the selection of suitable candidates is increasingly difficult-,’’ reported the Hospital Coinnrt. tee to the Wellington Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. It is understood that there is a similar diminution of applicants in other centres, and it is considered general throughout the hospital world. If this shortage were made known, application might now be made by the class of woman who would, he an acquisition to the nursing profession. The ideal of nursing should appeal to those who have the vocation for this work.” Mr W. J. Thompsjon 'suggested that something « should be done to make the service more attractive. More leave might i )e granted for instance. Mr J. W. it’Eiwan, chairman o fthe Hospital Com nittce, said that a report dealing with he subject would be prepared later. | )f) [’he Rev. H. Van Staveren, at a later ! tage in I meeting suggested thal 'rpj, vhen the question of salaries was beng considered by the Finance Comm i- pn ee shortly the whole of the members f the board should be present . He !id not, think that £2o per annum tC( •as sufficient.’ for a nurse to start on ,nd considered jth'at isomething like r 40 should be paid. The chairman of t() le Board (Mr F. Castle) said that the str hole of the members of the Board mid attend the meeting of the Finiice Committee as suggested by Mr an Staveren hut the subject of nurse-’ q ilnries should really he a remit lor a t ic conference of hospital Boards, which to assemble in May.