Árdís - 01.01.1944, Qupperneq 40

en who would make the very finest nurses are no longer attracted to the
nursing profession. Something must be done to win back this group of
efficient, capable persons. To do that, some of the changes recommended
are:—
1. To establish undergraduate nursing education within the Uni-
versities, ie., tlie student nurse, from the time she begins her course
would be under the control of the University. Hospitals would be used
for the practical experience, but even that would be under control, as
the Universities would not be concerned with service to the hospital —
that would be the hospital’s job. In this way the student would get a
balanced training in all the services. This type of course would be four
calendar years in length, and would lead to a degree in nursing. This
would prepare what we call the teaching group: H. N. Sup., P.H.N., etc.
2. The question arises, who will do the work in the hospitals, nurse
the patients etc? It is proposed that the hospitals offer a two year course
to prepare this group whom we call the clinical group. They could be
given a carefully planned sequence of experiences through all the ser-
vices with related class work and be good bedside nurses in two years.
This would be economically sound; but as a nurse is too expensive a
person to be doing many of the things she is now required to do, we
must liave the third group.
3. The Assistant Group — ward maids and nurse assistants. During
the war the gi-eat shortage of nurses has made it necessary for the hospi-
tals to admit this more economical group in great numbers. They will
be maintained, as legislation is now under way in Manitoba to license
this group. They will have a limited program of instruction and exper-
ience, from six to nine months work in hospitals as practical nurses.
This is not so radical as it may sound. In some universities in Canada
these nurses have already been admitted. In some hospitals the training
period has been cut down, and all over Canada we have admitted the
assistant group. The whole plan is economically sound, much more so
than the present type.
Getting these changes on an organized national and provincial basis
is going to take time as well as money. In the meantime what are we
doing? In Manitoba last year on a federal government grant, we estab-
lished one year courses leading to certificates in P. H. M., T. and S., etc.
We accepted into these courses nurses who are graduates of recognized
hospitals and have grade XI. standing. We give the same type of courses
as are offered in the Toronto and McGill universities. We tliink we give
excellent courses. The university professors and doctors who are assist-
ing us are enthusiastic and have been most co-operative. These one-
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