New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-02

two races 1t is the greatest folly to pretend that
such prejudice does not exist While as nurses
we are in demand. and the hospital stipuates when
engaged that shall have the same con-
sideration separate meals and rest hours, etc.
would be allowed any other trained we often
have much to encounter when undertake pri-
vate service. Especially here in the North have,
to my surprise, found most of this Despite much
I had heard I still thought that it be largely
the fault of the individual if there were any frc-
ton. But find il is prejudice pure and sim
pie. And this is just where I think our greatest
opportunity as nurses comes If, no matter what
the provocation, still gentle and ladyltke
and loyal, I believe it will do more for the race
in general, in the eyes OF those who really know
little about US. often the case here in the
North than anything else
In nursing you come much more close
" in contact with employers than in teaching
any other branch of service There is a hos
ptal position offered in Philadelphia when my
course here is finished, but have not yet decided
whether il would lie better for me to take that or
go back to my people in the South. The salaries
here much better. almost double what
would get for the same work there, so it is
great temptation TO overlook the work waiting
for in the lower States
During my year Of teaching l used to go around
from cabin to CABIN. with cassmate who had a
small school few miles away. and help to clean
up the little one-roomed places, the dooryards,
churches anything. where had opportunity
without hurting any ones fee ings. One of the
little weatherboard chapels there really
filthy TO be dangerous TO health, We got soma
OF the school children to help Saturday as
a surprise to their parents. and when the grown
people came by and saw what We're doing they
turned in and helpsd,
we were able to be Of a good deal Of service
in small way setting disiocated joints among the
youngsters. looking after the old rheumatism rid
den people, and most Of all in the numerous cases
of consumption. BY far the most of these, ] think,
caused by the absolute ignorance of the laws
Of tagion Often in room 10 by II feet whole
family Of fourteen fifteen will huddle a night.
one perhaps will have contracted consumption and
in two or three years the entire family VIII be
swept away with il. Right here in the hospital
have had colored children young eight
die Of the disease.
THE cabins are usually draughty and the in
mates huddle over scant fire with the wind blow
ing their backs when they ought to be walking
in the open air or sitting in the sun for warmth.
II is al these things tell them, well
give them suggestions to cleanliness We r
ganized mothers meetings, and the condition OF
many a cabin and hut radically changed during
the year we spent there Yes II was hard work
while at any price / think. hopeless outlook?
Oh, no indeed! If l had dozen lives to give
would rather spend them so than in any other
The speakers home was near Booker Washing
tons, in West Virginia She knows the family well.
and has much OF their spirit OF service
Il first thought Of taking UP the profession OF
nursing she continued, because my mother has
been a nurse nearly all her hfe, and very success
full Yes. I think nurses must be born the
work Success lies much in the voice and touch.
the manner and personality very often. as in the
training. but physicians at home recommend her
from one to another, anC she mas more than she
can do the year around"
Besides the twenty-four young colored women
now IN training at the Lincoln Hospital there Is
young Indian girl whose family live near New
Haven, Conn, and West Indian. both Of whom
very enthusiastic about their chosen profess
sion. The course of training for all Il these is
precisely the same a that required OF registered
gates from the Lincoln Hospital Alunn6 e
celved at all the association meetings on an equal