Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1918-06-21
An Appealing Opportunity
For Patriotic Women

AS of relieving the serious situation
caused by the ever increasing scarcity of trained
nurses, the Atlanta Chapter of the Red Cross is
offering special of instruction in elementary
hygiene. home nursing and related subjects. This
IS most appealing opportunity for young women
who have heart for patriotic work either in their
own community eventually in war hospitals at
home or abroad
From the earliest months of the great conflict
in Europe our hospitals and training schools were
heavily drawn upon for graduate nurses, and since
the spring of 1917 when the United States entered
the struggle this demand has been doubly insstent
and far-reaching Trained nurses have gone to the
front eagerly and in proportion to their numbers
as numerously as young men have swarmed to the
eolors. The result is beginning be felt the nation
over, particularly in cities like Atlanta, which
hospital centers for wide circle of towns and
States. Already we have reached point where
nurses in public institutions doing double duty
and where frequently it is impossible to secure
trained nurse for private cases, though the
illness be of desperate nature. The situation will
grow more acute to the end of the war, for
in France increases and the daily casualty list
lengthens the need for competent nurses lover
there and military hospitals here will null
tipIy. And it will be the supremely imperative need
to which all others must give place.
Yet we dare not neglect the sickness and suffer-
lag at our doors and in homes; that inevitably
would weaken the nations efficiency ana
morale, besides being Prussianly inhumane. Our
men at the front will fight the better and endure
hardship the cheerfuly for knowing that the
loved they left behind properly ministered
to in times of illness. We can dispense with luxu-
ries; we can sacrifice a thousand things we once
took as a matter of course; carry sef-denial
to whatever extreme the winning of the war may
require But as a matter OF patriotism and human
ty alike must to that those in sickness
pain are given the hest attention possible in this
season OF stress. That is of the great essen
tials one of the overreaching duties in every
munity as we'll as in every home. The Red Cross
rightly considers therefore that its service should
include work this kind and that teach available
young women how to render first aid. how to meet
emergency of illness, how to foster health in
the household and the community is one of the
peculiarly imperative needs of the hour.
The instruction offered for this purpose is thor
oughly practical, and I've quote the official an
nouncemenD besides fitting a woman to aid in
caring for patients in the home, 1t gives her the
basic knowledge she must have if she anticipates
being a trained nurse; knowledge of elementary
hygiene and home nursing also required of
young women who desire to become nurses aids
in military hospitals
ANY young who wishes TO take
these courses in home nursing. dietetcs,
gicaI dressing. first aid or French, should reg
lister at the Red Cross House, 26S Peachtree
street. where all information on the subject
will be given
1t is to be hoped that the response to this gener
Gus and exceedingly important invitation will be in
keeping with the loyalty which Atlanta has shown
under every call for patriotic service. There are
hundreds of young women who have the time and
will not be found wanting, we are sure, in the
spirit.