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

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.

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 39 text:

IN CAP AND UNIFORM 37 HIGHLIGHTS OF GRADUATION Eight o’clock, May 2nd, 1940—First Baptist Church—the moment had come. To the strains of a triumphal march the thirty-eight graduates marched slowly to the front pews. The altar was a picture, banked with numerous baskets of beautiful flowers, and many were the bouquets of red and yellow roses that trembled at the momentous occasion. The event of the evening arrived when Dr. Clara Christie took her place to address the Graduates. In days to come many times will words of wisdom be quoted by these Graduates from Dr. Christie’s splendid address. We are very proud of our classmates who carried off the honors. Miss Margaret Jane Ogilvie being awarded the Gold Medal for general proficiency, Miss Viola Kathleen Metherall, the Silver Medal for proficiency, and Miss Stella Hodgson, the coveted scholarship for highest theoretical standing. It was very fitting to have had one of our own students as vocalist, in the person of Miss Muriel Wright, as well as a former student, Miss Hilda Paterson, R.N., on the programme. Another solo was rendered by Mr. Norman Kennedy, and Mme. Beatrice Chapman presided at the organ. Following the exercises a reception and dance was held at Penley’s Academy. On Friday evening, May 3rd, the 1940 Graduates were guests of the Calgary General Alumnae when they held their Annual Banquet at the Palliser Hotel. The unique arrangement and perfect management of this whole affair was a splendid example of the type of work our C.G.H. Alumnae are doing. Particularly impressive was the Florence Nightingale Big Sister, Little Sister Candle-lighting Ceremony, in which we were all initiated into the Alumnae. During the evening we were entertained with several musical selections and a very good play. It was a wonderful evening, and to think that we are now part of this organization, makes us very proud. As Dr. Christie stated, “it takes sixtv-four muscles to frown and thirteen muscles to smile,’’ so we certainly could not be accused of straining facial muscles when we were entertained so royally. E. RAE.