The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1918-05-02
TELLS OF WORK IN KENOSHA
Plant of Black Cat Textiles Co. Has
Been Scene of Most Interesting Ex-
pertinent for the Betterment of
Workers of Kenosha.

| 1nduStr1aI Nursing, an enigma 10
some, and an unsolved problem to
others, has not yet reached standardiza-
ton and is still passing as it were
through an experimental stage. Its
scope has not yet been determined but.
it promises to cover one of the broad
est fields in the nursing profession"
declared Miss Rosetta McGinn, Indus
trial Nurse for the Black Cat Textiles
Co., in a paper on the subject which
she read before the Woman IS Alliance
at their meeting at the Hotel May
wood, Tuesday afternoon. ''Por long
time all the requirements or per-
sons in this position was that they be
middle aged, eminently respectable and
wear nurses uniforms.
Today only trained social workers
or graduate nurses are considered cap
able of filing these positions.
The Industrial Nurse has been des-
cribed as the interpreter for employee
and employer, the connecting link be-
tween the home and the work shop.
The ideal of the Industrial Nurse
seems to be to give the greatest ser
ice possible to employer, employee
and the community.
Two years ago the tBlack' Cat Tee
tiles Co.," established their serIt
department placing an industrial nuns
il charge. We call it the "Service De
partment" and I consider it well nam
ed for many and varied are the, scr
vices administered therein.
Everything is done eo-OperatiEsly-EAs
heads of departments work hand Sn
hand with the industrial nurse 6zEaes-
First and most Important OF ESsasdn-
ties is the general health of the em-
ployee. Overseers of the various de-
partments are instructed to watch the
physical condition of those under their
charge and if they discover anyone
who is ailing from any cause whatso-
ever, they are promptly brought to my
attention for advice. Sometimes {
am able to discover the cause and adj
wise them accordingly, if not, I imme-
diately refer them to a physician, af-
ter taking them directly to his Office -
Miss McGinn went on to tell about
the FCare of the Injured of the
"Ventilation and the Sanitation
work and rest rooms all of which are
thoroughly loked after in the most mo-
dern of methods. "
"The absences Of workers are al
ways investigated. Every morning at
nine o'clock [ start my home visits.
End the chief reason for absence Of the
workers is illness in the home, the alb
sentee are some member of the family.
These visits bring me in close touch
with home conditions and often take
this opportunity to advise the impor-
lance of well ventilated rooms, of sani-
tation, and often persuades the children
to spend their pennies for fresh fruit
instead of candy.
It is customary now, with a great
many foreigners to send for the indus
trial nurse before calling doctor.
They say, "We just thought we would
wait and see if you thought we needed
Doctor"
| Miss McGinn also told how the new
employees are interviewed and exam
med and how in case of bad teeth, en-
larged tonsils and weak eyes, they are
Immediately sent for professional at
tention.
"Little talks ON good conduct and
morals are given the younger girls from
time to time and often girls come to
me for advice about clothes, etc.
We FIRMLY believe that good clean
recreation is a strong promoter of good
health so we have organized Black
Cat Social Committee, composed Of
twelve girls selected from the different
departments. The committee plans the
dances and theatre parties. The com
pany always furnishes the music and
hall.
All told, 7 think the Black Cat fam
lily, as a result of this service depart
ment, has become comparatively
healty and happy group"
In spite of the many counter at
fractions goodly number attended
the Alliance meeting TO hear Miss Nc
Ginns excellent paper. After the read
ing Mrs. r. J. Dolan delighted the mem
bers with a few charming vocal solos,
entitled Loves Sorrows" by Shell
ley and "In Maytime" by Obey
Speaks. The program concluded, light
refreshments were served by the hos
tesses, Mesrames Oscar Silberschmidt
and S. S. Heyman.
The usual social hour followed.