Philipsburg Hospital School of Nursing - Reflections Yearbook (Philipsburg, PA)

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August 24, 1955 Dear Mother and Dad, I have started packing my clothes and things for the last trip home from P.S.H. I can hardly believe that these three years are coming to an end. En- closed are some snapshots that I value highly and wish to put in my scrap book so will you please put them in a safe place for me. These snaps will always enable me to remember the many happy moments I have had with my classmates. Remember, Mom, September I, 1952 when I tirst packed to come in training? Weren't those suit cases heavy? Especially when we had to carry them up those flights of stairs. Dad sure seemed like a bellboy that night. We met many new friends that first night, but it was still lonely away from home. Eagerly we each attempted to arrange our rooms to remind us of home and soon we heard the footsteps of our housemother, Mrs. Hoyt, telling us that it was time to go to bed. At 5:30 A. M. our alarms were ringing and twenty-eight girls were scurrying about the halls preparing for our 1 first breakfast. The next step was the classroom, and books were thrown at us from all angles!!! We never realized classes could be so hard and study hours so long. I guess we didn't realize that you knew what you were talking about Mother. Remember, Mother, how excited we were when three weeks had passed 30

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and it was time for our first day on the wards. You know law: I hated to clean at home!!! Well, that was our first assignment at the hospital ancl we really felt we were a great help. Finally initiation day arrived. We were nearly all frightened to death but we still had a wonderful time that day. Everyone was laughing at our odd costumes and we felt self-conscious and conspicuous among the doctors and other nurses. After Christmas vacation many subiects finished and examinations were given. Long hours were spent studying and cramming and usually we were re- warded with a passing grade. On February 27, 1953 we reached our first milestone in our career. We were very proud to receive our caps and each of us solemnly pledged to uphold our profession to the best of our ability. l still think Dad just about burst the buttons of his coat with pride. ln June when our classes were completed, we went on our long awaited summer vacation. We re- turned with renewed energy and determination to finish our training. Our first class separation came in our Junicr year when six of our classmates went to Warren State Hos- pital in January 1954 for their psychiatric affiliation. Boy! Mother, this was a new experience and each of us profited by it. Along with classes and study we all participated in many social activities and a good time was had by all of us. When the time came for us to leave Warren, many tears were shed among our new friends. As we went further in our training our re' sponsibilities increased and be began our special serves which included the diet kitchen, maternity, pediatrics and operating room. From these serves we learned many new techniques and diFferent types of 31