Carol's World of

 
 SHORT HISTORY
Our class started out on August 29, 1947, with 36 'Probies' as we were called then meaning 'Probation'.
Yes!, we were on probation !

Editor's Note:

           This is a good time to describe the uniform that we were so very proud of, even as 'Probies'.  We wore sparkling white, crisp cotton apron and bib, criss crossed in back, over a short sleeved,  cotton dress of  blue and white stripes, all held together with many white stud buttons.  Each uniform had to be carefully assembled at night, as well as applying a fresh coat of white shoe polish to nursing oxfords.  All that preparation took a while so it was not a good idea to put it until morning !! ( We wore white hose and shoes. Classes just prior to ours had begun Probation in Black hose and shoes.)  'WE WERE THE NEW GENERATION' with many more privileges than our predecessors. One very special piece of equipment that we all wore, was a new pair of bandage scissors tucked between two buttons in the waistband of the apron, center back,  just in case we ever had to remove a bandage.

 Yes, We were "PROBIES" until we received a basic academic background plus hands on training  enough to be referred to as 'Student Nurses'.  The 'Right of Passage' that proclaimed us capable of changing bandages, dispensing medicines, food trays, and bed pans, not necessarily in that order :-) . That event was CAPPING, The very special ceremony for those who had made the grade, passed exams and were ready to be Real Student Nurses.  That event came for us in February.  Stay tuned for more on capping.......

In those first few days of  Nurses Training, we were informed of all rules and regulations that were to dominate our life for the next three years. We were assigned sleeping quarters and a "Big Sister".
Room  for the first year was quite a comfortable single room that included a twin sized bed, a 4 drawer dresser (2 small ones at top with two larger ones at bottom.).
We each had our own study desk with lamp and a comfortable straight chair and a very large clothes closet.
Bath room and showers were down the hall.  Uniforms were laundered, starched and ironed once per week.

To Be Continued .......

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