by Deb Lee and Lou Winthers, CGH Commemoration Committee
Over the past months you have seen several articles here about the Calgary General Hospital (CGH), primarily focused on the evolution of its hospital buildings. But what of the people? Last month, the important role of volunteers was highlighted. This month, we are writing about CGH Nurses, bastions of strength and key to the evolution and service history of ‘The General’. The CGH School of Nursing graduated just under 3,000 nurses from 1895 to 1974.
Mrs. E. Hoad served as matron of the 1890 ‘Cottage Hospital’, followed by Mary Ellen Birtles from the Winnipeg General Hospital, who was the first graduate nurse hired for the new Calgary General in 1894. She quickly recognized the need to train nurses to staff the hospital. A young woman from Glenbow, Marion Moodie became the first to start on the job training as a nurse. She kept a journal that outlined the rigorous demands and difficult working conditions she experienced at the time. By 1910 there were 25 students ‘in training’. Of note, the first CGH graduate nurse, Marion Moodie (1898) was followed by her niece, Peggy Munn, in 1930 and grand-niece Catherine Munn Smith (1962).
Caring for the sick dominated the lives of the student nurses, working twelve-hour shifts, six days a week, with the possibility of an hour off, about mid-day, if circumstances allowed. Periodic classes, taught by doctors, were held in the evening. It was mandatory to pay close attention to appearance; uniforms were immaculate, white, and starched, shoes freshly polished and a cap placed neatly on one’s head. In addition to patient care, student nurses also completed menial tasks such as cleaning rooms, equipment, floors, etc.
There is no doubt that student nurses were essential to the operation of the hospital. Hiring enough graduate nurses was a continual challenge, as in those early days they could not be employed once they were married. Additional difficulties were faced during the first World War when many doctors and nurses left to serve overseas or in nearby military hospitals. Devoted to their patients, during these times student nurses worked for weeks without a day off.
Originally, the nurses and students were housed within the hospital. In 1955 a brand new ten-storey nurse’s residence was completed near 10 Street at Centre Avenue. With a greater focus on education, it had modern classrooms and an underground tunnel to access the hospital. The students developed a meaningful connection to the people of Bridgeland when they ventured out to shop or to take a walk on their days off.
A highly respected nursing leader, Miss Gertrude Hall, was hired in 1952 to reorganize both the nursing service and the nursing school. Her introduction of a new philosophy meant a stronger focus on education and advanced, specialized knowledge and skills. Nurses who graduated from CGH’s three-year program were well regarded and sought-after employees.
Important bonds were created between the student nurses during their challenging training days. These young women supported each other as they witnessed medical crises, patient suffering, and death. They learned to assess patient needs, conduct procedures and to provide caring and support to patients and their families.
Loyalty to the Calgary General Hospital and to friendships with their nursing colleagues has been an enduring legacy of the student nurse’s experience. The CGH Alumni Association was established in 1936 to continue support to community, the hospital, volunteer activities, fund raising, and to the sisterhood of nursing. The School of Nursing closed in 1974, but several hundred CGH graduate nurses continue to gather each year in May for their annual alumni banquet.
As the CGH Commemoration project unfolds, the generous support of the General Hospital nurses has been much appreciated. They join us in ensuring that the story of ‘the General’ is told.
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