The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-06-08
Graduating Exercises Of the Training
School for Nurses
OF THE OLD DOMINION HOSPITAL
Presentation of Ba dyes Of Honor and
Addresses by Rev. Mr.. Guthrie, an1
Dr.Tompkins-Miss Cabaniss'Re-
port-Niiss Shields Address.

! O'CLOCK yesterday alAeIhoon' III lHS "'''
phitheatre Of the Medical College in
the presence Of an audience which taxed
its seating capacity to the utmost. The
| number of well-known men present was
remarked upon, as we'll as the fact that
| the audience as a whole was peculiarly
| representative. The space in the rear OF
the desk upon which lay diplomas, badges
and flowers sent by friends to the grad
yates was outlined with mammoth palms.
The pupils Of the training school, in
mi Jrm, sat IN a semi-circle, making a
charming appearance. Misses Bena Kan
| dolph Wilson. Helen Winder Barney
Lillian Garnett DeniZer and ElOise john
ston. the four graduates, wore pure
white, unbroken by simple touch of any
| other color. Tho exercises were opened
| with eloquent prayer by Rev. Donald
Guthrie. DR.. Christopher Tompkins then
announced that. in the unavoidable alb
sence of Miss Cabaniss, the efficient SUI
perintendent Of nurses and principal or
the Training school for Nurses, her re-
port would be read by Dr. Upshur
MISS CABANISS' REPORT
The report was interesting, and listen
I
1t stated that many Improvements have
been adopted In the system and man
agement OF the training school-yiz' !:
A physical examination by member OF
the hospital medical stan before admis-
sion Of probatloners as pupil nurses.
The non-payment system. with first ana
second honors in junior and senior classes
to two pupils ranking highest IN both
theory and practical nursing and supply
lot text
books. etc.
The nurses registry has been estab-
lished and its outlook is most encourag-
ing. Pupil nurses have been supplied as
usual 10 the sheltering Arms Hospital
Old Ladies' Homes and Orphanages. APP
plications for graduates as supervising
nurses I'm other hospitals have been re-
ceived and several appointments accept
ed Graduates OF northern hospitals
have applied for a postgraduate course
In the school. The number OF apphca-
lions for admission TO the training cohooi
| have been 206. flied (as favorable). IS;
probation appointments. &c; accepted as
pupils. +. The present staff consists OF
four senior pupils. nine junior, three pro-
bationers and one superintendent. Inc
development Of visiting nursing Is en-
couraeing. and the outside obstetric SER
vice Ear better equipped and conducted
than formerly, and has done much eX-
cellent charity work. Nineteen weeks
have been given by pupil nurses 20 indi-
gent patients in the hospital. Pay cases
special nursing and private nursing llo
weeks: calls supplied graduates Of this
school through registry, AZ; private nurs-
ing calls, supplied by pupil nurses, 81.
District nursing is making steady, though
gradual progress. II has been possible 10
meet most OF these calls. The graduates
being pledged TO some charity work an
nualy have cheerfully responded TO dis
trict calls when a. liberty. Numoer or
patients admitted, 53l; part pay and pay
patients. All; free patients, 2O5' operations
performed, S67; patients In hospital
March 81, 1S9S, So; deaths during the year.
%.
The thorough renovation Of building
and furniture, the fact that seven eighths
OF the patients were absolutely charlty
cases. together with the unprecedented
Ineficiencv and untrustworthiness OF our
domestics. has greatly increased the hos
pital expenses during the past year.
The hospital linen rooms have required
replenishing for the first time since the
opening Of the institution In 1895.
The eel of retrenchment and reform
or ways and means committees, as well
as financial committees Is imperative IN
order to continue the charity ward work
on 50 large a scale.
The plan OF one year ago-to establish
maternity hospital and also provide a
graduate nurses registry and club is ma
teralizing most encouragingly.
The Manchester Auxiliary Is showing
even more than its usual energy ana In
terest.
A high trifute was paid TO the er-
nciency Of the librarian. Mrs. O'Connor-
I'M. rvfr "a
kins' Nurses Alumnae the Old Dominion
Nurses Alumnae may be recommended
for representation in the National Asso-
ciated Alumnae Of the United States and
Canada.
This Is a protective association of
graduate nurses, intended 10 elevate the
standard OF the nursing profession ana
promote its interests, therefore only the
alumnae OF the schools or the required
standard will be eligible or recognized.
Should this resolution be adopted, the
much needed reform in our profession
IN the South Will readily follow and a
state association viii be speedily organ
lied. ,.,
DIR. James b. McCaw then delivered a
brief. but enjoyable address. In II ne
paid a glowing tribute 20 woman's aoll-
inv 10 take front rank IN the medical pro-
fession. and admonished the graduates
not 10 stop at the nurses office, but 10 90
forward and embrace the splendid oppor-
tunities for distinction open TO them
now, and opening more ana more widely
every day. (Applause)
ne referred TO Emily Putnam, who be-
Gan as q nurse, and her brilliant record,
incidentally giving an amusing reminis-
cence relative to his early prejudice in
mis- connection and his feeling that the
woman doctor" must be an unfeminine'
and therefore, ENJOYABLE creature. lie
nronhesied brilliant things for aspiring
women and concluded amid applause.
BADGES PRESENTED.
Tho diplomas were then awarded by
Dr Tompkins. Mrs Grace Shields briei
add,ess and presentation Of the badges
Soi1o,,,,,g one OF the most effective de-
tails Of the programme. Mrs. shielus De
lghtful voice and clear enumeration maui ti
her entire address audible throushout 'ne
large room. -. o,,an
These badges are not. as many even i
sDoong the members OF the board sup
- merely a souvenlr or emblem or the
schooi h,t are of as much value ana
| eieniecance to the nurses as a Meolcal
College diploma or State Board certn-
cate 10 any member OF the medical pro-
fession -. ,or,,-
The school diploma IS merely ceru-
fcate Of two We airs Of satisfactory STUDY
and practical training in the school the
hedes Ia a mark OF promotion. distinction
and nrofessional standing through all the
nc tIrno ~ it's owner These badges are
GIVEN by the Board OF Managers and
1rincipgl OF the training school TO the
Graduates or nurses. just entering upon