Learning to be a nurse: the culture of training in a regional Queensland Hospital, 1930 – 1950

Abstract

Young women wishing to train as a nurse during the early part of this century, entered into a hospital environment which taught them not only the skills of nursing, but also skilled them in how to be a nurse. Along with learning how to do a dressing, they learnt obedience,and while learning how to clean the pan room, they learnt about hierarchy and the traditions of nursing. Trainees were required to live and work within the confines of the hospital grounds,and as such, developed a distinct culture that was a compilation of work, moral and traditional elements.

This paper will use a combination of oral and documentary sources to examine the development of the nursing culture and the transformation of nursing students within the ward environment of the Rockhampton Hospital between 1930 and 1950. Focusing on a small regional hospital allows one to gain a greater understanding of the nursing culture, and to investigate this culture to a greater depth as it existed in one location. In particular,aspects of reinforcing the nursing culture will be examined, that is the communication channels that had to be followed, delegation of duties and the nursing hierarchy, and the socialisation of trainees by other trainees as part of the informal educational processes.