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

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.

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 40 text:

38 IN CAP AND UNIFORM MATERNITY DAYS THE ONLOOKER I was on the outside— A stranger looking in. Everthing around me Was in an awful din. Carts were being hastily Transfered down the hall— Hope those busy nurses Hear my wife call. Ah, at last it’s over— Couldnt’ feel much worse, Feel a little faint so Had better call the nurse. What, he’s really handsome— But then look at his Dad. Guess I’m pretty good, eh! My guess wasn’t bad. Guess I’ll wait a little while, So I’ll see the boy; Sounds more like a fire alarm, Looks just like a toy. FROM THE INSIDE Looking back those three short years Memories are always dear; Such as days we spent in Mat— When we had fun “for all that.” Starting on the daily rounds, Quietly ' —but soon we found Sometimes quite a riot starts And there’s sure a rush for carts. Days when things were in a mess— When three came off at once—I guess Things now will start to hum, Everyone is on the run. Nites—when only one door has to creak To make us all jump to our feet, And perhaps sigh with relief It was the wind which caused our grief. And many a tale we could recall We’ve all experienced : —yes all— For they are days we can’t forget, And ones we never will regret. R. GOLD.