Williamsport Hospital School of Nursing - Oak Yearbook (Williamsport, PA)

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In July, I enjoyed the picnic at Sportsman ' s Picnic Grounds sponsored by the Student Government. After a full day of swim- ming and sun-bathing, we built a fire and cooked our supper. Hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, and watermelons provided the center- piece for my empty stomach. I was rather stiff and sore from the day ' s workout, but not as sore as those who absorbed too much of the Loyalsock sun. I want my mommie, was the cry that greeted me as I entered the door marked Pediatrics . . . the world of the little folk. ' Mid kicking feet, flying arms, squirming bodies and tearful faces, I attempted to carry out my morning routine of baths, injec- tions, hair combing and telling stories. My capabilities were put to a test as I tried to be both parent and nurse to the apprehensive child. Night duty offered a neyv challenge, for, without a graduate nurse present, I was faced with the responsibility of making correct decisions. Many times a soft light, a comforting voice or a touch of the hand would allay the fears of a small child in the darkest hours of the night. I left the world of the little folk vyith memories of my experi- ence perhaps always to linger with me. Again a new class of probies arrived, and became little sis- ters ' ' for my class. Each one of us did our best to orient them to nursino and the medical world. In a few months, they combined their talents with the intermediates and seniors to organize a glee club, singing for their own benefit or group activities. I especially 24

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To briwhtcn our holiday festivities many of us attended the Medical Ball, held at Christmas time at the Lycoming Hotel. The hospital also sponsored a Christmas party for employees to add to the holiday spirit. The entertainment, both professional and ama- teur, was great, and after the main program everyone present danced till dawn. Every Christmas, all of us participated in a party for the children of The Williamsport Home, which was held in the Recreation Hall. Who had the most fun is hard to determine . . . the wee kids or the student nurses. Santa was present with his bag of tovs and candv for all and, with his encouragement, the kiddies sang for their supper . My heart felt big as I realized how much the spirit of Christmas meant to everyone. My Intermediate year was devoted to money-raising for a ban- quet in honor of the senior nurses, soon to be graduates. I did my share of the work necessary to have successful candv sales, bake sales, etc. The hard work paid off when my classmates and I were hostess- es to the seniors at the Village Tea Room on August 31, 1955. To top off the delicious food and entertainment, our guest speaker was Dr. William Todhunter, a member of the surgical staff. After this event, 1 looked forward to being a guest at next year ' s banquet. Some real fun took place at the Y. W. C. A., where I played basketball, volleyball and relaxed in the swimming pool. I was looking forward to vacation this year, when I would have four weeks for complete relaxation. Some of mv classmates were for- tunate enough to spend their vacations in Florida. $ £ 23

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wanted my little sister to have help and to think of me as a big sister. I had long been looking forward to spending three months of my senior year at Warren State Hospital, a community within itself, and the home of 3,200 mental patients. My first two weeks were spent in orientation to the hospital ' s curriculum. During this time I received my chain with keys allow- ing me to enter both men ' s and women ' s wards. I first came in direct contact with patients in the Admission Building. After being observed for 2 weeks they are brought before a staff of doctors for diagnosis, and then treatment is started. My day consisted of observation, assistance, and supervision of patients in the day rooms. I assisted with the administration of the various 25