These are the rules for the ordinary training of hospital nurses:—
The Committee of the "Nightingale Fund" have made arrangements with the authorities of St. Thomas's Hospital for giving a year's training to women desirous of working as hospital nurses. Women desirous of receiving this course of training should apply to Mrs. Wardroper, the matron at St. Thomas's Hospital, subject to whose selection they will be received into the hospital as probationers. The age considered desirable for probationers is from twenty-five to thirty-five single or widows; a certificate of age and other information will be required. They will receive, during the year of training, payment in money and clothing to the value of £16, on the following footing, thus:—Clothing, costing about £4; payment at the end of the first quarter, £2; at the end of the second quarter, £2 10s.; at the end of the third quarter, £2 10s.; at the end of the fourth quarter, £8; and a further gratuity of £2 if recommended for employment. Should the term of residence be extended beyond the year, payment will be made at the end of the fifth quarter of £4.
At the close of a year their training will usually be considered complete, and during the three years succeeding the completion of their training they will be required to enter into service as hospital nurses, in such situations as may from time to time be offered to them by the Committee.
The names of the probationers will be entered in a register, in which a record will be kept of their conduct and qualifications. This will be submitted at the end of every month to the Committee of the "Nightingale Fund." At the end of a year, those whom the Committee find to have passed satisfactorily through the course of instruction and training, will be entered in the register as certified nurses, and will be recommended for employment accordingly. The Committee have hitherto readily found employment for their certified nurses in some public hospital or infirmary, at salaries usually commencing at £20, with board (including tea and sugar) and washing. Many have, after some years' service, obtained superior appointments.
Engagements are not to be made except through the Committee, and no engagement is to be put an end to without a quarter's previous notice to the Committee.
The Committee will allow a yearly gratuity of £2 to all their certified nurses, to be paid at the end of every complete year of service, succeeding the term of training, up to the third year, inclusive, providing that evidence be given at the end of each year that the nurse has served the whole time satisfactorily.
No gratuity will be paid if the Committee have reason to suppose that the nurse intends to discontinue her employment. At the expiration of one month from the date of entry, every probationer will be required to write a letter to the following effect:—
To the Chairman of the Committee of the "Nightingale Fund."
Sir,—Having now become practically acquainted with the duties required of a hospital nurse, I am satisfied that I shall be able and willing, on the completion of my year's training, to enter into service in a public hospital or infirmary, and I engage, in accordance with the annexed regulations of the "Nightingale Fund"—in return for the advantages bestowed upon me—to continue in such service for the space of at least three years, in whatever situations the Committee shall think suitable to my abilities, it being my intention from henceforth to devote myself to hospital employment. I further agree not to enter into any engagements except through the Committee, and not to leave any situation without giving due notice to the Committee.
I am, Sir, &c., &c.
The following regulations are common to both classes of probationers:—
The term of the probationers' training is a complete year. Probationers will be received on the distinct understanding that they will remain for the required term; they may, however, be allowed to withdraw upon grounds to be approved by the Committee. They will be subject to be discharged at any time by the matron in case of misconduct, or should she consider them inefficient or negligent of their duties.