New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-10-27
SELECTIONS FROM THE MAIL.
THE TRAINED NURSE AGAIN.
TRIBUTE TO HER MANY ADMIRABLE QUAIL.

TRIBUTE TO HER MANY ADMIRABLE QUAIL.
UEs-HER RANK" IN THE HOSPITAL.
TO TIE Edftor OF The Tribune.
slr: You have given space in the last few months
10 the pros and cons OF the trained nurse" and
nave word to say on the same subject / have not
oHy had many Of them in my own house, but have
taken deep interest in the principle of having
hned, educated women in the sick-room in place Of
the nurses ef the past. My name appended to
inc petition for the charter for the first Training
school for Nurses" established in this country-he
INST regularly established and authorized school. 1
speak, therefore, with knowledge of the subject,
and heartily indorse the letter Of Mrs. Rose Terry
Cooke
The writer OF the letter which called her rebuke
seems to put great stress upon the cup
town hotel for wealthy people" the string
Dand' and the diamonds and laces' of the
possible lady at the nurses elbow. He says nothing
OF his helplessness and alarm when pneumonia was
declared; nothing of his prompt transfer of all the
weary work and watching, and all the responsibility
to this presumptuous trained nurse nothing of how
she entered that sick room, quiet, intelligent alert,
taking her place at once, without ostentation or
Dustle; nothing OF how with mind and body she lent
herseH TO his service, to preserve the life OF pre-
sumably dear to him nothing Of her untrng patience
and gentlencss under the most trying circumstances
and often under provocatOns which try serious
~ that patience and genteness.
lie only wastes his energies his grandeur Of
HVng his going for her in carriage 1.-THE usual
wayJ and the extraordinary elevation from his usual
lie in getting admission TO that dlning-room. He
forSets that these luxurious homes are tie most
Ilar places to her, necessarily and that she leaves
the sckroom so faded that the change and cheer
iulness OF few moments at the table, with the
natural household atmosphere is Of great importance,
completely dominating any possible that might
hon,
ana curousy fOrgets that the ancient hostelry, with
Its "long table, common to all. is a thing Of the
past and the chance OF iostling and oging the laces
ana diamonds quite impossible, and that this tired
woman II he did not have the courtesy to Invite her
TO Join his family at his own private table, would,
In all probability, find herself in quiet corner,
at small unoccupied table, mainly OF tho
pleasant atmosphere pervading room where many
People arc coming and going, and there IS a cheerful
am VI health In contrast with the dimness and anX
lie failed t. learn that the main for sepa-
ration OF tables In the hospitals IS that there IS.
containing not only thor sleeping apartments and a
general parlOr, or sittingIoOn but dining room
WINE the resident physicians are provided for In the
Hospital proper. There are exceptions TO this rule.
certainly, but can cite more than one wcll-known
hospital where the two tables are I'm the same room,
ana the meals are served at the same time; the heal
physician presiding at one, and the superintendent
Of the school, at the other while the most friendly
ana cordial interchange Of chat takes place between
the two. The rank distinction referred TO IS not
inc RUE IN husptdS. Inc physicians DO not draw the
line Of table distinction; any who had "A
trained nurse duty in the family Of she physician
himself will note his unvarying courtesy to her. and
hi, recognition Of what is due her So universal is
this that the exception does not speak well for the ply
stefan. II IS rare that young woman can hold her
place I'm a training school. and receive the diploma
and backing" of that school, who IS not fit TO be
taken to the table as member of ones family.
have not come in contact with such a one yet
! am Just convalcsceDt from long and painful
illness, recurring the care of two Of these much
abused young women for considerable period; one
OF them is still with me, so for eight weeks / have
been forced TO do this unwarrentable imposition
and l feel this cruel attack upon them most deeply
have received such attention, such thoughtful care
such untring devotion during my terrible suGeringS
would have been deemed a miracle I'm the days
when the sick-rOOm was ruled over by old women
too old and feeble to work hand too ignorant TO be
Of value in "gency and too supersiittous for
anything" 7 have found every attribute of the
" gentlewonan" under the nurses neat white cap
have asked them more than once TO talic my place
IN the ordering Of the house the reception Of guests
thor entertainer at table. etc. etc. and found that
they have executed my wishes with satisfaction to
myself and with pleasure 70 my guests. L. a. Z. y.
Brooklyn, Sept. Il, 1859.