| 000'30" |
Students for Enrolement ProgrammeDescribes introduction of a new programme for training enrolled nurses. Precipitated by nursing shortages especially at KINGSEAT MENTAL HOSPITAL. Mentions role of RON DEWITT, PRINCIPAL NURSE of AUCKLAND HOSPITAL. Proposed a programme to be jointly run by the COMPREHENSIVE NURSE educators and the hospital educators. Comments on the ongoing bad feeling between the comprehensive and hospital educators, ‘It was appalling'.
Plan was to run two, one-year courses. Attracted a considerably diverse group, e.g. people with degrees, SAMOAN mothers with a lot of experience but little formal education. First six months theory at the technical institute (AUCKLAND INSTITUTE of TECHNOLOGY); second six months at hospital for practical experience. Problem was that the hospital tutors were not allowed to know what the students had been taught in theory or see their books. 'It was disastrous'. Remembers that the students had been 'stirred up a little bit', to ask questions, and told that hospital tutors would not know anything. Remembers it as unpleasant. 'We should have been able to work together'.
Programme stopped after two years. Comments on some of the 'stupidity' of the system. Students came from a number of hospitals, e.g. KINGSEAT. Diana worked mostly at MIDDLEMORE. |
| 006'45" |
Hospital Association TrainingExplains decision to delay retirement because of changes to SUPPERANNUATION SCHEME.
In 1992, moved to HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION to work as an educator, , at first mostly in geriatrics.
Association grew in early 1990s; more influence over all private hospitals; mentions role of LIZ HALSTED as Manager. Diana took over CPR training and monitoring of intravenous skills for private hospitals.
Mentions that MIDWIVES also did IV and CPR training with the Hospitals Association for a while.
Comments on the role: enjoyable and varied, visited many hospitals, organised programmes, and the nurses did well. 'We had a lot of fun'. The work folded around 2000 because hospitals were getting short of money to pay for the programmes. |
| 011'15" |
NZNO, Historical Tours, BalletComments on own involvement with PAEDIATRIC Section of NZNO.
Describes involvement with organising tours within New Zealand, then overseas with a focus on history. Provided nursing cover for tour groups.
Mentions role on National Executive of the Supporters of the NATIONAL BALLET.
Discusses own recollections in this interview and difficulties of recounting 'accurately'; especially as a historian herself. |
| 015'15" |
Changes in NursingSums up what nursing has meant to her: 'It has been my career but always with the reservation that I am only a nurse' - a reservation related to her family expectations.
Suggests that there have been changes in attitudes about nursing and what nursing is. 'I don't think nurses have grasped the opportunities to develop nursing....Nursing skills have been neglected for medical skills', - too much of trying to be mini-doctors rather than developing nursing.
Reflects on what should be core nursing skills: awareness of bedside skills, practical, hands-on nursing. Gives example from her recent experience. Talks of importance of making patients comfortable, comforting, establishing eye contact.
Suggests that these skills were intrinsic in the training of the 1950s, Mentions the value of the NIGHTINGALE WARD.
Concluding comments. |
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