Medical College Hospital School of Nursing - Cap and Candle Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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CLASS HISTDRY LD Father Time has been exceptionally good to us, not one of us can realize that three years have gone by since we first assembled. After being awakened at six o'clock that first morning and rushed off to breakfast, we felt the worse was over. That day life was one new thing after another, bed making, scrubbing buckets, and all the littlelpersonal things which probies are taught. Thus began our career of Nursing. The days which followed were filled with classes, practical work, and moments of relaxation. Many times we have wondered what poor Isabel , that good old Chase doll, thought about us, as nurses: The rude way she was tossed about and handled during those trying lessons. Anatomy,-what that word brings back to us! For some unknown reason, we just couldn't possibly stay awake. Dr. Thornton was very considerate and told us we were privileged to sleep during her lectures: And more than once we nearly took advantage of this. Still more classes were started and as the days flew by, we found ourselves surrounded by books. How hard we tried to fix those numerous words and sayings in our minds! Qctober was ushered in, and, with it our complete uniform, -no more probie days for us: For now we were the same in appearance as all the other girls. Caps, bibs and cuffs added to our blue uniforms and aprons made us feel important. That first Christmas and our first chance to go home! Those of us who were to have New Year off remember how we hurried with breakfast to sing Christmas Carols. XVe longed for home that day, but were glad to lighten the hearts of our patients. XVith the new year, days sped by: Classes and work con- tinued, and yet we were happy, until night duty was mentioned for some of us. How could we work all night and stay awake 22

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CLASS HISTGRY QE, Z

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during classes in the day? Anyway, we did it and each of us took our turn. Three long glorious weeks of vacation was our reward for that first year of hard work. Our first year ended and now began our responsibilities, because we were Juniors. That medicine closet which we had so faithfully cleaned became more than a chest, for we were now allowed to pour . The subjects which we studied made us feel as if we were in a different world. XVe felt like children going from Primary Grades to that cherished Grammar School. That second year slipped along very swiftly. Many of us had new experiences and unexpected delights. The diet kitchen, for instance, greeted several. The clinic gave others work: And the Qperating Room furnished others with training. XVhat was this about a new hospital? Going to close the old one and open a new one? Yes, the date for closing was July 15th and the opening would be September 15th. Packing was an unexpected pleasure. Every department was piled high with the largest of boxes which were carefully filled with all the supplies. The clay we closed, a boat trip down the ports of Philadelphia on the John Il'a.niamake'r was planned for us. It was an ideal day for the trip and all the girls light-hearted went on board, to Hoat down the Delaware. As Seniors we entered the new hospital and realized the great responsibility which was upon our shoulders. All the girls in the younger group now depended on us for guidance. The large red brick five-story building with all the trees and lawn around, seemed a dream come true. The nurses occupied the fifth Hoor and what a lovely place we saw. In each room the color scheme was carried out to perfection, and the sitting room was so cozy with wicker furniture. The students gratefully remember many lovely gifts to the 23