The probationers will be under the authority of the matron of the hospital, and will be subject to the rules of the hospital. They will be lodged in the hospital in the "Nightingale Home," which adjoins the matron's house; each will have a separate bed-room, and they will be supplied at the cost of the "Nightingale Fund" with board, including tea and sugar, and a weekly allowance of 1s. 6d. for washing; and with a certain quantity of outer clothing of a uniform character, which they will always be required to wear when in the hospital.
The usual times of admission are the quarter days. Candidates must be seen by Mrs. Wardroper, at St. Thomas's Hospital, Albert Embankment, Westminster Bridge, London, between 10 and 12 A.M. only, on Tuesday or Friday. These regulations may be obtained by writing to H. Bonham-Carter, Esq., Secretary to the "Nightingale Fund," 91, Gloucester Terrace, Hyde Park.
The regulations of the Training School for Nurses in connection with Westminster Hospital are very similar, but I think it better to give them in detail.
The Committee of the Westminster School for Nurses has made arrangements for training their probationers in a practical way in the wards of the above hospital. Those young women who are desirous to be so trained should apply (personally, if possible, or else by letter) to the lady superintendent of the Training School, 8, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster. It is desirable that the ages of candidates should be between twenty-five and thirty-five. Testimonials of health and character, according to forms supplied by the lady superintendent, will be required; and when satisfactory, and as vacancies occur, the applicants will be received as probationers.
Probationers will be under the direction and authority of the lady superintendent and the rules of the training school; and whilst at work in the hospital they must obey and recognise all the standing rules of that institution. Probationers will be supplied with board, lodging, and washing.
If retained, the wages in the first year of a probationer will be £16, of which a portion may be retained till the completion of her year of probation, as guarantee of her good behaviour, and subject to forfeiture in case of misconduct. Probationers will be required to conform to any regulations in regard to uniformity in outer clothing, and if supplied with materials for the same by the school, the cost (not exceeding £4 4s.) will be retained from their wages.
It is expected that at the end of a year probationers will be fitted to be nurses, and their engagement will require them to serve two years more in hospital or private nursing, with an increase of £2 for each year—that is, £18 for the second, and £20 for the third.
At the expiration of one month from the date of entry every probationer will be required, in such form as may be in use, to engage herself to continue in the service for at least two years longer than her probation, after which her time will be her own. In the event of her not continuing after the first month no wages will be paid.
The names of the probationers will be entered on a register, in which a record will be kept of their conduct and qualifications. At the end of every quarter the record will be submitted to the Committee of Management.
The probationers will be subject to be discharged at any time by the lady superintendent in case of misconduct, or should she think them inefficient or negligent in their duties.