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

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Recognition Mary, Our class had to say Thank you in a special way. You always believed us, and that meant so much to us. You were our friend, and because of that, you trusted us. We must have spent hours complaining to you, and you always listened. You helped us laugh. You helped us make jokes out of bad situations. When a test didn ' t go good, you were there with comforting words. When we were home-sick, you gave us support. When we look back on our three years here, you will be a part of our fond memories. Thank you Mary, for caring about us and being our friend. We love you, and we ' ll miss you. Love, The Class of 1983 .It ® m

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Dedication We, the Class of 1983, dedicate this yearbook to our families, who provided us with the support and understanding we needed throughout our nursing education. Your encouragement and love, held us up as we struggled to attain our goals. Thanks you for being there for the past three years, we never could have made it without you. With love, Your student nurses

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HISTORY OF THE WILLI AM SPORT HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF NURSING As the population increased in the Williamsport area the need for a hospital became appearant. The Williamsport Hospital opened its doors to patients on April 1, 1878. In the beginning most of the doctors performed the duties of a nurse, sometimes spending the entire night caring for the sick. By 1883 it was evident that the increase in patient load made additional help necessary. Doctors Rita Church with the support of Jean Saylor Brown organized a training school for nurses, the Williamsport Hospital Training School for Nurses. On June 5, 1883, two women were admitted with a promise of training as nurses for fifteen months. During their three month probationary period, they were given a stipened of $3.00 a month, were housed on the hospital premises and worked 12 to 16 hours daily. Their duties included preparing patient meals; laundry for patients, hospital linens, and resident physicians; patient care and treatments; hospital cleaning; care of surgical instruments; and care of the furnace. Of the two w ho entered the training school only one, J. Aha King, is recorded as having received her diploma in 1884. By June 1 889 there were 7 graduates of the Williamsport Hospital Training School for Nurses. Dr. Church continued her 15 month course according to the same format as when she started. Student Nurses were responsible for the cooking and cleaning in addition to patient care. However, the hospital administrators did not hire any of the graduates because they did not believe they were skilled enough. During 1891-92 a contagions disease curriculum was added to the Training School so that when the Contagious Disease Hospital opened in 1892 they were prepared to assist in this area. In 1894, Miss Virginia Loomis, R.N., Superintendent of the Hospital, increased the length of the nursing program to 2 years because she felt there was a need for more clinical experience. However, the general picture of the nursing school did not change. As the number of patients increased, there was a greater need for nurses. The hospital soon realized the importance of the student nurse and so the number of students increased in the school. As the physicians increased their surgical skills and continued in research, the nurses were given a larger responsibility in the care of the patients. A graduate of 1 899, Miss Josephine Heiney, was the first graduate of the Williamsport Hospital Training School for Nurses to be hired by the Williamsport Hospital. Miss Daisy Mann, who succeeded Miss Loomis as Superintendent, it 1898 increased the training to a 2 ' : year program and then in 1 900 to 3 full years. Miss Mann also incorporated some new educational ideas into the program of study. She began to give theoretical instruction herself, becoming the first nurse instructor at the school. The physicians still lectured but the students also were introduced to nursing theory, as well as, medical care and treatment. To make the uniform and cap more practical. Miss Mann removed the ruffles from the dress and cap. The cap was made smaller and fashioned to fit the head more securely. The dress length was shortened to the ankles and black shoes were worn in the winter. In 1900 Mrs. Ida Hays McCormick donated funds to build and furnish a new residence for student nurses. The building we located on the corner of Rural Avenue and Campbell Street and housed 33 students. The student nurses moved into this building on November 1, 1900. Attempting to cope with the increased number of hospital admissions, Miss Mann increased the number of women admitted to the program each year. As increased medical and surgical skills became available to the patients, the nurses responsibilities increased, leaving her little time for menial tasks. She centered more on patient care including special diets, preparing and changing poultices, assisting physicians with rounds and charts, care of instruments and preparation of salves and ointments. She still worked 1 2 to 1 4 hour shifts with an occasional hour off to attend church.