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

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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

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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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Hl ir Fill treatments given to patients, such as insulin-coma therapy, and electro-convulsive therapy. The six weeks I spent here prepared me for mv four weeks in Mitchell Building and two weeks in Geriatrics, where I could cope with the more difficult and chronically ill patients. In Mitchell, the 350 patients were unpredictable and sometimes destructive but no restraints of any kind were used. From the hour I went on duty in Geriatrics, until the day was over, I gave bed baths! In this building I learned to combine mental and physical aspects of nursing care. For off-duty hours, I went swimming, bowling, skating, played tennis, and spent many hours at John ' s luncheonette. I gained much knowledge as to what other hospitals have to offer and appre- ciated my own school even more. On one of my weekends home I attended the Valentine Dance planned by the social committee and held on our campus. It was amazing to see Medical Hall, the doctors ' lecture room, decorated as beautifully as any ballroom. Soft music, dim lights, red and white streamers and cupids were enough to capture anyone ' s heart. This was the first big activity sponsored entirely by students and it was a great success! o The Way Memorial Isolation Unit is a separate and unique division of The Williamsport Hospital. Although I had been thor- oughly trained in the technique before being assigned to the unit, I was nevertheless a little shaky when I heard the swish-swosh of the Iron Luno in action. Even though the unit is closed to all but doctors and nurses, each room is so built that visitors may talk through the windows, thus keeping the patient in touch with the outside world. 26