The nurse, or probationer, must not only be able to read written instructions, and to write, but have had a good English education. The probationer or nurse is to keep her own room neat, clean, and in order, in the home, as well as to assist in the needlework there if required to do so.
The duties of the nurses will be to attend both the rich and the poor, either in hospitals or private houses.
The lady superintendent tells me that nearly half the ladies who come to her leave at the expiration of the trial month, having discovered that they are unsuited to the life, although I believe it is not particularly trying.
[CHAPTER V.]
CLERKS.
Bookkeepers.—There is a very considerable demand for female clerks and bookkeepers. The necessary knowledge is easily acquired by any industrious person with punctual and orderly habits.
An adult bookkeeping class is held at 22, Berners Street, Oxford Street, the office of the Society for the Employment of Women. On entering the class a student is required to bring recommendations from two householders, who will be responsible for her thorough steadiness and respectability. If, as is often the case, the student has lately left school, a letter from the mistress, or her latest school report, is required, and those only are admitted to the class who can write clearly and neatly, spell correctly, and work accurately the first four rules of arithmetic simple and compound. A course of lessons generally extends over four or five months; during that time students are not only taught the principles of book-keeping by single and double entry, but every effort is made to inspire them with a high sense of responsibility, and to make them punctual, orderly, and earnest, in the discharge of their duties. No student is allowed to go up for examination unless her conduct in the class has been satisfactory, and unless she has shown a desire to do her work conscientiously.
Bookkeepers who have gained certificates almost invariably retain their situations with credit. It is often difficult to obtain a first situation, for practical experience is generally required, but in this the certificate is a great help, as it forms a good introduction, and is a guarantee of efficiency and respectability.
When she has once made a fair start, a certificated bookkeeper is seldom unemployed. The class meets on the evenings of Monday and Thursday, at 6.30. The fee is sixpence weekly. A bookkeeping class is also held at the College for Working Women, 7, Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy Square. The fee is 1s. 3d. each term; there are four terms in the year, consisting of 35 lessons, from 8 to 9.30 P.M. New pupils are only admitted on the first class night of the Michaelmas and Easter terms. Students can be examined by the Society of Arts, and obtain the certificates of the Society free of expense. The membership fee is a shilling a term extra.
Public classes, besides those I have mentioned, are held at the College for Men and Women, Queen Square, Bloomsbury; at the Quebec Institute, Baker Street; and at the Birkbeck Institute, Chancery Lane. Clerks must be prepared to accept low salaries for their first engagements, perhaps 10s. a week; but after they have gained experience, they will be able to secure from 15s. to 30s. a week.