The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-05-16
NURSES ASSOCIATED
ALUMNAE SESSION
Miss Damer, President, Made
Capital Address 81, Problems
to Be Faced.
MISSIONARY NURSING PAPER

rho Nurses Associated Alunnac, now
IN session In the new auditorium Of
4 no Jefferson Hotel, has the distinction
of bcin4. the first convention in that
building. Indeed, while the work or
discussion Is going on upstairs, work
men are busy below with interior
decorations painting and other ilnaj
touches to the building
The platform in the auditorium yes.
terday was made unusually attractive
by the addition Of two large vases oil
long stemmed American Beauty roses.
sent By friends of the alumnnc, IN nddi-
tion to the palms and ferns banked a.
each end.
The morning session was called to
order by the president, Miss Annie Da-
mcr, at 10 O'Clock. Report from the
board of directors with regard To the
publication OF the Journal of Nursing
was made by Miss Nellie NJ Casey. sec
rotary. The Journal is increasing in
popularity and circulation, and has
proved more and more a factor in the
development of the profession.
Reports from the treasurer. Miss An
ma Davids, and from the interstate
secretary, Miss Sarah Il. Ely, showed
II definite and rapid increase over last
years work.
Presidents Address.
The presidents address followed.
Miss Damer discarded all notes and
spoke eXtemporaneously, She began
with brief history of the associa-
ton, and discussed a few of the prob
lens that the nurse of to-day has TO
face. She called attention to the rapid
growth OF the association since its first
meeting in Chicago ten years ago.
ofg CT jror no nf thiS
year In Virginia history, she remarked
that Virginia was not only the Mother
OF States, but Il mother of hospitals,
the first institution of this kind having
been founded in Virginia nearly 500.
years ago.
She also called attention to the fact
that the nurse is in a measure rcspon-
sible for the public health and 1t is in
cumbcnt upon her to exert herself to-
ward improving sanitary conditions
around her.. She suggested that the
national association concern itself with
lettering the condition of nurses dur
ing their period of training: that the
question of shorter hours, better food
and a more careful. Systematically
prepared curriculum in the training
schools be taken up by the associa-
ton.
The alumna was also cxhortcd to
keep in touch with affairs at her Alma
Mater
Miss Damer emphasized the impor
lance of thorough cooperation with
the Red Gross Society.
missionary Nursing.
Miss Maria Allen of Morgantown.
n. G., next read a most interest ting
paper on missionary Nursing Among
the Mountainccrs," She explained the
fearful need of better standards IT
living in the mountains of the South
crn States. and the value of the great
work that is being accomplished by
the missionary nurses, supported by
the several denominations, especially
the Episcopalians. Her descriptions OF
the pitiful ignorance and squalid man
ner OF living among the mountaineers
were vivid and impressive. Miss S. IL.
Cabaniss, Of Richmond spoke further
or this subject. giving instances AMI
incidents Of good accomplished by
nurses IN these regions
4 discussion OF several questions of
tatst@s: 10 tae nurses was in charge
vas ps--tc3r1z.ed IN By goodly NUM-
ze-
Afternoon session.
- s&sE&-I spr Inc afternoon ses-
s551 Ess 1oI carried ONT, but reports
sgssFa Ere s7t+rs-af= secretary were con
-s-1zet- tbs following State associations
s'sE-s hard from. District Of CoIuyyl-
az, zliszo5s. Kentucky. Minnesota. Mis-
seErit Michigan. North Carolina. ORIG
tFsts-zs2'2 Ee-ats. Virginia N.g HaInp-
ftst-s zzG HeE, Virginia In all. there
ssa iT-=n,g-n.ne state ORGANIZATIONS
<aHsg-one Of these being affiliated
wita .fie national association.
a Tisnstl s:nportani ana Interesting
eaAeassi'9a. -.'S.th' regard 10 the State