Newspapers / InterCom (Durham, N.C.) / Nov. 18, 1970, edition 1 / Page 4
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^ The Duke University School of Nursing 'llW THE NURSES HOME - A residence for Duke nurses and nursing students was built shortly after the Medical Center opened in the first part of the 1930's. It was later named Baker House in honor of the nursing school's first dean, Miss Bessie Baker. EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is a transcript of a speech given by Miss Anne Henshaw Gardiner, one of the founders of the Duke School of Nursing. The talk, an early history of the nursing school, was presented at the nursing alumnae meeting earlier this year. Intercom thought it appropriate to print the talk in this commemorative issue. By Anne Henshaw Gardiner To me, teaching is more than the microscope and the contents of a textbook. There are the human elements-the students, the teacher, and the patient. The same principles apply whether in the classroom, at the bedside, or in every day life. When I was asked if I would tell you of your early history, I thought, "How time flies!" Forty years ago, I came to this campus, and now I am back, not only to give you a bit of history, but to learn what you have been doing. Forty years from now, I hope to be sitting on cloud 9 reviewing the accomplishments of this graduating class before me. But let us get back to history. The School of Nursing was established in 1925 in connection with the School of Medicine and the Duke Hospital through a generous gift of James B. Duke. Although the medical and nursing schools did not open until October in 1930, the intervening years were used to erect buildings and further the plans for the school. Miss Bessie Baker was appointed dean of the school and director of nursing service in May, 1929. Her early appointment made it possible for the plans for the school, its relation to the medical school, and the Hospital nursing service to go forward together. .. According to Miss Baker, "The plan of the school was to prepare the young women to meet community needs." These needs were interpreted to mean nurses prepared for administration and teaching In the various types of hospitals and public health services, the nursing care of the sick, and teaching health principles in hospitals and in homes. Part of the University The School of Nursing was to be an integral part of the University. The students were to be admitted with the same academic qualifications with added attention paid to their ability in relation to their emotional and psychological approach to the patient. This was in line with the ideals of the founder, James B. Duke, who in his deed of gift requested "that great care and discrimination be exercised in admitting students with a previous record of character, discrimination and application evincing a wholesome and real ambition in life." The tentative plans for the school included four groups: 1. those wishing the diploma of graduate nurse 2. affiliating students from recognized nursing schools receiving certification 3. candidates for post-graduate certification 4. candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the diploma of the graduate nurse It was soon decided to concentrate all of our attention on the diploma program and to grant the Bachelor of Science in Nursing to women having completed 60 semester hours at Duke or other acceptable colleges.. . The needed clinical experience was available in the Hospital of 400 beds, the Out-Patient Department, and related affiliated services. There were high hopes that the school would in time become the leading school of the South. . . The first-year student had two weeks vacation at Christmas and two weeks in the summer. The second and third-year student had a month's vacation, usually in the summer. . . It was also recognized that if there were a demand for postgraduate courses, the attempt would be made to comply. During the first ten years, no request was made. We concentrated on building a sound basic program. .. Tuition Perhaps you would like to know something of the cost of the tuition during those early days. When an applicant was accepted, she was expected to deposit $25 within two weeks to ensure her enrollment. This was applied to her tuition of $100 a year. There were no other expenses. This payment included ixjoks and uniforms. There were no scholarships or loan funds at this time. .. When the Hospital opened in July, 1930, the staff consisted entirely of graduate nurses. They lived, as we all did, in what was’known as Cabell Ward in the Hospital. (continued on page five)
InterCom (Durham, N.C.)
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Nov. 18, 1970, edition 1
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