Calgary General Hospital - In Cap and Uniform Yearbook (Calgary, Alberta Canada)

Page 37 text:

IN CAP AND UNIFORM 35 ISOLATION For nearly three years we work and study within the four walls of C.G.H. But two short months we spend elsewhere. Set apart from all the busy activity is the quiet corner we know as Isolation Hospital. Although so far away, it is yet a very necessary part of C.G.H. and very valuable to our training. In the daytime we had the helpful guidance and advice of Miss Campbell and Miss Randall. Those of us who had our Isola¬ tion training early had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Payne. Now Miss Blair is always on hand at night. The day begins early at Isolation. Sleepy little ones are bathed and tidied up long before the day staff arrives on duty at 7 a.m. The first duty of the day nurses is to give every one breakfast. For those patients still on milk and water there is always the promise of bet¬ ter things to come. After breakfast begins the familiar routine of gargles, combing hair, and the ever-present cups of milk and water. Dinner is followed by a “nap,” but eager eyes pop open at the first sound of the tray bringing orange juice or ice cream. All day little fingers are busy with crayons and jigsaw puzzles. There is laughter and singing, but when seven o’clock comes, heads begin to nod and eyes blink sleepily. Another day is over, and that means one day nearer the time to go home. Before you realize it, two months have slipped by and with many happy memories we say “Farewell” to Isolation and return to C.G.H.

Page 36 text:

IN CAP AND UNIFORM In a hospital’s institution Orderlies form a constitution, They add to its perfection— And ours are no exception. For Wyers—or “Alec”—on the spot, Applying casts falls to his lot; At things like this he’s tops, we’d say—- His jokes are first hand, by the way. George is there on all occasions, Accidents or vaccinations; At Christmas he is in his prime, An organ grinder quite divine. Jones or Jonesy known to all, His O.R. days he’ll often recall, Especially when he swabs the floor He often sings—a lovely war. Mansfield seems to get his share Of fun, and also wavy hair; He’s always there to do his bit And make life happier with his wit. Wilf is what we’d call a sport, At all times he has some retort; We’ve never known the lad to pout, Things all go right when he’s about. Jerry, with unruly locks, To us all he always talks; Though he hurries off at seven, Is always there—sharp at 11 Though Pat is thin and kind of lanky He’s always nice and never cranky; And is he proud of his position Since the family got a new addition. Jack is the newest on the staff, He’s good at all times for a laugh; Though recently he pulled a trick— Appendectomy—and quick. And Owens, though he’s left our fold To join the army, so we’re told, Was always there to do his work— His duties he would never shirk. R. GOLD.

Page 38 text:

36 IN CAP AND UNIFORM A NURSE ' S PRAYER The world grows brighter year by year Because some nurse in her little sphere Puts on her apron, and smiles and sings, And keeps on doing the same old things— Taking the temperatures, giving the pills To remedy mankind’s numerous ills; Feeding the babies, answering the bells, Being polite with a heart that rebels, Longing for home, and all the while Wearing the same old professional smile, Blessing the new-born baby’s first breath, Closing the eyes that are stilled in death. Taking the blame for all mistakes, Oh, dear! What a lot of patience it takes. Going off duty at seven o’clock, Tired, discouraged, and ready to drop, But called out to help at seven-fifteen, With woe in the heart that must not be seen. Morning and evening, noon and night. Just doing it over, hoping it’s right. When we report off to cross the bar, Dear Lord, will You give us Just one little star To wear on the cap Of our uniform new— In the ward above, Where the Head Nurse is You.