Grace General Hospital - Our Days of Grace Yearbook (Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada)

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THE NURSE (A tribute to all those who have dedicated their lives to the nursing profession) May I pay my tribute to her with this simple verse, The world will join me when I sing the praises of the nurse. In hospitals and nursing homes she plays her splendid part. Although she may have troubles of her own, locked in her heart. And have you ever thought of what would happen, if one day The nurses all decided that they’d like to run away? Folks like myself could go on strike and nobody would heed. But the nurse is indispensable — she meets the world’s great need. Her hands are blessed because they do a work that’s good and fine. For Christ himself said, Heal the sick.” This labor is divine, and it will earn a rich reward When life’s last shadows fall, A life of selfless service is the greatest thing of all. You’re but a cog in life’s vast wheel that daily makes the same old trip. But what a joy it is to feel that but for you, the wheel might slip. Tis something after all to jog along, and be a first class cog! Dedicated by a patient Page 14

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l cUecUctwuf rfcU0ie 4 Tonight, a long awaited dream has become a reality. In each of us different thoughts and emotions arise as we reach this milestone which we call graduation. None of us will ever forget that day when we arrived at Grace. Do you remember classmates? We arrived with suit¬ cases and boxes filled not only with clothes but also with stuffed animals, radios and other things to aid us in over¬ coming our fear of the unknown. It seemed we were entering an entirely different world. And so we commenced to write our Book of New Experiences. The first chapter was devoted to classes, study, and prac¬ tice — learning basic nursing principles. We anticipated our first morning on wards, and yet were apprehensive when it did arrive. Will we ever forget that day, such a short time ago when we reported to the ward, bewildered, and yes, even frightened? Gradually, however, we progressed to duties that had filled us with awe only a few short weeks previously, such as doing dressings and giving hypos. How great was our feel¬ ing of achievement! After six months of study and a great deal of hope we received our caps at the beautiful and impres¬ sive capping ceremony. With this milestone we had written our first chapter. Chapter two began with our specialized postings, ently under the inevitable strain of the Operating Room. Skill, technique and accuracy are all important in this field. In caring for Obstetrical patients we felt the joy of helping usher a new life into the world. We agreed with the unknown author who wrote, So begins one of the most wonderful experiences in life, an experience which will change a couple into a family, and a man and his wife into parents.” And now we left in small groups for our affiliations. Our class was divided for the first time. At Selkirk Mental Hospital and Children’s Hospital we shared experiences with student nurses from other hospitals. Selkirk opened to us a broader outlook on nursing. We learned the importance of sitting and listening to the patient in a positive and sympathetic way. We all realize what a major role mental health plays and have become better prepared nurses from this experience. At Children’s Hospital we accustomed ourselves to talking with little people on subjects ranging from Mickey Mouse to model airplanes. Here we felt really needed as our patients were dependent on us to feed and to clothe, to love and to cuddle. Public Health showed us an entirely different aspect of nursing. It gave us some idea of the care of people carried on in all aspects of community life. We made visits to schools and to homes; to the newborn and to the aged. Thus we concluded chapter two. Tonight, on behalf of the class, I would like to express thanks to those who have played important parts in making this present attainment possible. To Brigadier Everett, our Hospital Administrator, thank you Brigadier for your never-failing interest in us; and we did enjoy your attendance at our school functions. We thank also, our Director of Nursing, Captain Johnson. In the year you have been with us, Captain, you have won the respect of us all. We valued your help and guidance. We learned how to work effici- Page 16