Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-10-28
WASHINGTON TRAINING SCHOOL FOR NURSES.
Opening Of the second Session.

Opening Of the Second Session.
The opening of the second session OF the wash
ington Training School for Nurses was the occa-
sion of the assemblage Of an appreciative and
select audience in TaIlmage Hall last night.
REMARKS OF DIR. TONER
The meeting was presided over by DR.. j. N.
Toner. In opening 1t he said;.To-night we open,
in accordance with the public announcement,
the second course of lectures by the Washington
Training School for Nurses. Whether the assem-
blage before US represents those who contem-
plate attending instruction, or is made up chiefly
of the friends OF the project, or BOTH we have in
either case reason to feel encouraged The work
is a proper one, but even good works OF this
character are made pleasanter and more easy by
a generous public encouragement The educa-
ton Of nurses In our country Is comparatively
recent movement. Although schools for train
ing nurses in Europe are common and popular
institutions, schools of this kind have been per-
manently established in several of our larger
cities, SO that we are not engaged in an expert
ment- The progress which our country has
made In the vast accumulation OF wealth and
the consequent modification of the habits
and tastes OF society particularly in our cities
has resulted In demand for the services of
skillful nurses for the sick OF the well-to-do in
their homes, as well as by hospitals. The en-
ployment for nurses of character and skill is and
has been for some years largely in excess of the
supply. 1t is true that many persons have as
pleyment, who, under the guidance OF physl-
clan, render measurably satisfactory services.
The public, however, are demanding greater
number and nurses with higher qualifications
than are at present available. 1t is believed that
there are many persons in this city OF fair edu-
cation and exemplary character who, If they
had their attention turned to this avocatiOn,
would qualify themselves for nurses, and could
find employment in this department. 1t is the
purpose of this institution to aid the worthy
to attain a knowledge OF this art, by which
they NAV earn livelihood and be O
special advantage to society. These great de
mands for skilled nurses of late l suspect in
part grows out OF the improved condition and
.esthetical tastes of society. which during child
hood almost universally, throughout our coun-
try, enjoy exceptional domestic comforts and
although the community are by such means
made better citizens, yet when individuals are
stricken with sickness, they are in consequence
rendered more sensitive and dependent on others
for assistance. The fact and condition OF Ameri-
can society resulting from our universal educa-
uonal and exceptionally good social surroundings
ought not to be overlooked or neglected by hui
manitarians. Early education and the associa-
tons established in our school Gays, and the am
blt1on and possibilities thus early awakened In the
youthful mind, as well as by the philosophy OF
the age, establish habits scarcely less DOM
mating than natural gift or instinct. Fortu-
nately, among us at the same time, is created a
feeling OF brotherhood for our race. This bond
of humanity is largely due to the teachings of
Christian civilization, and was entirely unknown
to the masses of mankind in ancient tines and
indeed, but feebly felt few centuries back.
/ am not believer in the rOSe-cOlored views
held by some neutrality-suspicious. mankind
spontaneously advances to civilization, and, as
a matter of course, in time develops knowledge
OF the arts and sciences. History proves that
as well as combined efforts, to improve mans
condition in the world Civilization is neither
an accident nor miracle Education and
respect for laws founded on experience and
in the culture Of the individual o. the culture Of
almost intuitive perception and rare faculty to
enuncfate profound principles in a terSe and con-
Vfnc1ng manner, said in an address before the
education, in 1s54-"That civilization itself may
be considered as condition of unstable equilib-
rum which requires constant effort to be sus-
Neither the principles, the manners, nor the
customs of people are good by chance, it re-
quired Judgment, choice and effort to improve
and to select the better for adoption. Frequent,
earnest and persistent effort only can determine
and select the best methods for advancing the
conditions of life. The people OF this age no more
than those of the past can, with safety intermit
condition. 1t is law Of human society, or,
what we call civilization, that it cannot stand
stlll. To have common sense, views Of life, the
sary to have sound, healthy bodies. 1t is to aid
in this that the training school for nurses has
been instituted. 1t is not mere servants that are
wan wanted In n the sick room, or that we pro-
recommended as competent and trustworthy
nurses. By wise selection Of pupils and by
careful training we aim to assist in elcvating
and dlgnifying the calling OF the nurse to that
of respectable and profitable profession.
The necessity for and the usefulness of the
once Is now generally admitted by the public.
sound Judgment with capacity for self-deniai.
ana observation to acquire the necessary knowl-
edge to qualify them for such respectable duties,
and an individual perseverance to make such
knowledge available must be conceded. Indeed
the Self-abnegatfon and control of feelings re-
Quire OF the nurse SO as to wear constantly
bright cou nttsaa to command
with q kindly word Of encouragement
in a gentle tone of voice, and to be cheerful
without levity, and silent without moroseness,
lions, and the patients condition, requires quail
ties scarcely less heroic and perfect than are
demanded in the professional and higher walks
of life. Where such qualities and skill exist in
the nurse they will be rewarded Those who do
not possess these characteristics in fair degree
had better seek some other ayocation In life.
agreeable habits or ungovernable appetites can
not hope to attain reputation OF be entrusted
with the sacred duties which belong to the sick
room. The trials OF the nurse are many and
performed are honorable and enduring.
1t will be borne in mind that this institution Is
entirely dependent upon the generosity of its
promoters and the public for the necessary funds
to carry 1t forward. Its lectures are free, cor
sequently it has no revenues, and even with the
penses are incurred. AS the public are to be the
gamers in the matter of having trained nurses
we feel JUSTIFIED in appealing to the people OF
some attention and see If the measure does not
merit their appreciation and assistance. Circu-
lars explaining the purpose of the institution
and matters relating to the school and plan of
lectures can be had by application at room No.
10, Vernon Row, where the lectures are delivered.
We hope to send out graduates sufficiently well
grounded in all the essential qualities which go
to constitute the efficient and successful nurse.
We are confident that those who possess these
requisites will find honorable and profitable en-
ployment and be of great service to society. To
this end this institution has been organized,
with an able corps Of professors who will teach
all the essential branches and to whose inStruc-
lions beg aSpirantS for the hanOr OF the school
to give their earnest and respectful attention.
DIR. TABER JoHNsoN's LECTURE.
Dr.. Toner then introduced DIR. Joseph Taber
johnson, who spoke for about three-quarters of
an hour. His speech was plea for the better ed,l-
cation OF nurses for the care Of the sick In hos
pitfalls and private families. Not only are those
Frustrated by by disease or injury much better
and more successfully nursed and many lives
saved annually, but respectable, honest, lucra-
tive and constant occupation Is assured for these
women out OF, and In need of, employment.
About a dozen such schools are in successful
operation In different cities of the country, and
they all report that they receive many more ap-
TO supply. Graduates are constantly in receipt
of more calls upon their time, at high wages.
than they can respond to In other cities and rho
hat Woa1,{~