Jennie’s Story

 

My name is Jennie Cameron and I am in my 90^th year of age. In 1947, almost 70 years ago, I graduated from the Milford Hospital School of Nursing. The training took three years of study and practice to graduate, and there were five students in my graduating class. We had class all day and worked at the hospital on all shifts for our training. It was a good time in our lives –hard, but good.

The hospital at the time was very small, housing approximately 60 beds. The first floor of the hospital had a doctor’s room, supervisor’s desk, operating room, administration area, a ward for men, and private and semi-private rooms.

On the second floor there was a maternity ward and delivery room on one end and on the other had private and semi-private rooms.

The third floor contained a woman’s ward and a children’s ward. In this area the beds were close together.

While in training penicillin was introduced as an intra-muscular (IM) injection. The patients receiving this medication were on the first floor in a private room. It was generally given for pneumonia and proved to be successful.

If a patient became ill on the maternity ward, they were transferred to a private room on the second floor.

The operating room (OR) was used for scheduled or emergency surgery. As students we trained for two months in the OR. The OR was also used for major accidents and acute illnesses. At this time there was no emergency room in the hospital.

I was an active nurse for about 45 years and loved every day of it. The nurses at the hospital today are very special people for not only the care they give, but for being the patient’s advocate. It’s very important for the patient to have an advocate in order to provide the great care to send them home. Believe me when I say that I have been there. Thank you.

I have recently been a patient at Milford. My daughter brought in a picture of me on nurse’s graduation day to share with everyone. I was a young girl in the picture, so it was great for them to compare the before and after of me. I loved their visits and talking to them. They told great stories and were such great people. It was a pleasure to know and meet them.

We as nurses need to be a resource for the community. It’s important to educate on all health matters affecting the people we serve.

Remember everything has a story and it should be told and shared.

Jennie

 

Jennie Cameron, former nurse and guest blogger, attended Milford Hospital School of Nursing in 1947. Jennie is sharing some of her stories about nursing school, as well as her experience as a nurse for 45 years. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: Sadly, Jennie passed away earlier this year.  We valued her thoughts and willingness to share her story. Her insights are timeless, and have been enjoyed by so many who have read this blog post. As a tribute to Jennie, we have decided to keep her blog post here, as Jennie so aptly stated above “We as nurses need to be a resource for the community. It’s important to educate all on health matters affecting the people we serve. Remember everything has a story and it should be told and shared.” Thank you for sharing your story with us, Jennie.