Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing - Yearbook (Boston, MA)

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Miss Ruth Sleeper, R.N., M.A. Director of the School of Nursing and Nursing Service

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J • ‘ vm ' Top: Small scale model panorama of buildings and grounds, Massachusetts General Hospital. Bottom: Ether Dome.

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Dear Seniors: Today I came upon one of my own old Yearbooks. It is a book I have reread many times, as you will this one, sometimes to smile, sometimes to reminisce a little wistfully over the memories of the student years which passed so quickly. But today as I looked at this book it took on a new meaning. What had happened to the girls pictured there? What had they done? Had they achieved their dreams? Had the class prophecy come true for them? And then, sud- denly, I realized as I thumbed through the pages of that old book my thoughts were reallv of you, the Class of 1949. What would happen to you? What would you make of your preparation and your future opportunities? Would you realize the value of your investment in nursing education? Would those who made that education possible find their investment in you worth while? You have given many hours of service to secure this education. The Tru stees, Hospital Administration, Medical Staff, friends and Faculty of the School have made this education possible. You sought it because you wished to serve the community. The latter groups pro- vided this education that the community might have nursing service. The goal appears to be a common one, but there is actually a wide difference. The educational program provided for you in the School of Nursing must of necessity end now upon your graduation. The service needed by the community requires an on-going program, ever changing as new discoveries are made by medical science, and new social trends modify the needs of society. It is a service con- stantly demanding new knowledge, new techniques, new attitudes. What then of you, whose education in this School of Nursing ends now? Will you accept the challenge of change, or will the old way remain your way? Will you be alert, recognizing the new trends about you? Will you be flexible, accepting new methods, new authorities, and the shifting social and professional groupings? Will you be a good group worker? Can you be a good member of a team to plan patient care, or an equally good member of a different type of team to give patient care? Nursing is changing perhaps more rapidly today than ever before. Even since you began your program here, in the brief span of three years, the old system of nursing has passed. A new order is emerging. Yours can be a new opportunity, if you will accept it. Will you have in this new system a job or a profession? I do not need to tell you the differences between these. We have discussed them together many times; the differences in knowledge demanded, in obligations accepted, in group responsibilities assumed, and in ideals practiced. Perhaps in your decision whether nursing will be for you a job or a profession lies the answer to your success and happiness in the new system of nursing. Your preparation thus far can lead you to either one. If you choose the former, then you must respect your choice and seek the type of satisfactions a job can bring. If you choose a professional career, then you must have courage to secure the advanced preparation and the experience which will admit you to truly professional standing in the medical care team. Good luck to you, the members of the Class of 1949- Best wishes from the Faculty who have enjoyed working with you. Welcome to you, sister alumnae. Ruxt S JL