RCN History of Nursing Society

[backman]

For those of you who are members of the Royal College of Nursing,nominations are now open for membership of the Steering Committee for their History of Nursing Society; http://www.rcn.org.uk/development/communities/specialisms/history_of_nursing/news_stories/join_the_history_of_nursing_society_steering_committee2

I must admit that I am thinking of applying but just as a general discussion what do members here think the RCN should be doing to further the preservation,research and knowledge of nursing history?

[Magpie]

Hello Peter
I think you should apply, you have so much knowledge of nursing history now and it is very important that this isn't lost for future generations of nurses who sadly now don't have the privilege of having "belonged" to a hospital training school as most of us did.
What fun it was to break the rules!!
Perhaps the SONForum could approach the RCN and ask if they have plans to collect history of nursing information, photos, books and nursing memoribilia including badges or photos of these.
With 25% of older nurses due to retire in the next few years we need to capture as much as possible, after all in another 20 years sadly the nurses trained in universities will have had their placements in so many different settings and will not have all of the above but may like to use parts of a collection to use for projects/dissertations.
Good luck!

[wilfb]

Hi Peter.

You must have a good idea of what I think - apply, apply... You have put so much effort into preserving our history - as much as anyone - and more than most. Do it - it would be great to see you there. Our site owes much to you (not finding Sue; Eric; Barry and Fran - and all the other contributors) not to mention the Gorleston fish and chips!!

Just for information of anyone who may not be aware - this site was created largely because of the enthusiasm of 'backman' and the (ongoing) support of the other members. c'mon Peter, do it - it's my birthday!! Really.... Do it for both of us!!

Will.

Ps. Thanks Magpie...

[ExJoyceGreen]

Hello Backman (and Wil),

Up until now I have only been a very casual browser on this (frequently) finding site. However, the discussion the I have just read concerning more serious attempts to get a virtual history of nursing museum established - or better established - plus the news of the Rcn's plans to do even more in relation to the history of nursing has prompted me to want to get more involved in some way or other. Thus my primary question today I suppose is how best to do so ?

Your interest and knowledge (Backman) seem to suggest that your are extremely well suited to being a member of the Rcn's history group working group and providing that you are eligible to do so and have the time available I can only say that it sounds as though that you could make an invaluable contribution to this immeasurably important task.

Perhaps someone could get back to me with any ideas about how I could get a bit more involved ?

Thanks,

Ex-JoyceGreen

[Sarah Rogers]

Hi, if you have the time and energy to match your present knowledge passion and interest then you will make an excellent member of the committee- i am only sorry that as an ex retired member of the RCN i cannot vote for you!  It would be great if the RCN could open part of their building to the general public, and say have a small area for nursing history...such as at the LONdon hospital.....then all us ex embers could go also...and perhaps they could have some of the MEgaughlin collection displayed?
best wishes Lizzie

[backman]

Welllllll it just so happens that I may have some news on exactly that front!Thanks to both of you for your vote of confidence but unfortunately didn't even get short listed for the panel(probably not academic enough).Still never mind,we can still try and influence things from the peripheries.
I yesterday posted on the RCN's discussion page on their History of nursing link as to what events the newly elected panel had planned for 2012 and what the progress was to a virtual museum.The reply from John Adams was as follows;

Hi Peter
I gather that a high profile 'actual' museum, with public access, is planned for Cavendish Square.

It should help to raise the profile of history amongst the profession at large, but it will also make the case for the importance of skilled nursing to the general public (particularly crucial as nursing seems to be under constant attack in the media).
The museum will be part of a re-modelling of the current library accommodation, and involves the construction of a new public entrance, so the extensive building work will probably take some time - but my understanding is that full approval has already been given.

Kind regards
John

So good news,albeit a long time coming.

[backman]

I have decided that whilst I would love to have the time(and money)to complete a degree in nursing history and perhaps produce a scholarly thesis that ain't likely any time soon.So I've decide to try the scattergun technique of starting short threads on various aspects of nursing history to encourage others to jump in share their knowledge no matter how sparce they might believe it to be.So if you have any information on individual badge designs,hospital histories,pictures or nursing journals do please share them with us,all contributions are welcomed

[Sarah Rogers]

Hi, have taken you at your worrd, here is the history of the london badge....which doesnt explain why ther was a much older badge on ebay recently!
The London Hospital Nurses Badge
The London Hospital Nurses BadgeIn 1928 Sir William Paulin was the Honorary Treasurer of The London Hospital. His daughter Miss Irene Paulin, a member of the Nursing Committee, approached the badge making firm of Pinches. She was advised to contact the College of Arms as at the time the hospital did not possess an emblem, arms or a device. Sir William offered to fund the cost of the hospital applying for a Coat of Arms. The red and white colours were based on the Coat of Arms of the City of London. Part of the hospital was built on land belonging to the City and leased to the hospital until the year 2066. The three white quilled feathers represent the Three Feathers Tavern in Cheapside where the hospital came into being in 1740 when John Harrison, a surgeon, and six other men decided to start the Infirmary. The centre has  LH  for London Hospital, surrounded by the latin motto HUMANI NIHIL A ME ALIENUM PUTO. The wreath of laurel leaves may have been chosen as an emblem of victory.
lizzie

[backman]

Thanks Lizzie,
I think I can answer the question about dates for you.Whilst there are some hospitals and training schools that did issue badges to their staff during the late 1800s this was rare.In some cases such as the London and St Thomas's they didn't issue badges until the 1920s,however once they did,then past trainees could apply for these.Thus the recent London one dating back to the 1890s and two cases full of St Thomas's badges in the central hall of the hospital finding the statue of FN;  http://portals.directenquiries.com/images/nhshospitals_3/4101/800/o4101-0005837.jpg

[Sarah Rogers]

Hi thanks for that, i did wonder if that was the case, Lizzie