GNGH School of Nursing Commemorative Trust Fund
The History of the GNGH School of Nursing
In 1912 the Nurses’ Training School was organized with five students enrolled for the 3 year training period. The instructors included the superintendent, graduate nurses and doctor volunteers. The students worked 12 hour shifts each day, 6 days per week, lodging and taking meals in the new nurses’ residence. Prior to the establishment of the nursing school, nursing at the Niagara Falls Hospital (then located on Jepson St.) was carried out by a superintendent, graduate nurses educated in other hospitals, nurses’ aides and orderlies.
Over the years hundreds of nurses graduated from the Jepson Street facility. In order to accommodate the growing need for more space the new Greater Niagara General Hospital was opened in 1958 complete with a new nurses’ residence. This facility located adjacent to the hospital site is what is now known as the Allied Health Building located on North Street.
In 1973 the GNGH School of Nursing closed when formal nursing training was taken on by Ontario colleges and then universities, in order to fulfill the BScN requirement to become a Registered Nurse.
Graduates of the GNGH School of Nursing are proud to have been part of the early nursing tradition, one of starched aprons, bibs, collars and cuffs, pin-striped dresses, white stockings and gleaming white shoes and most importantly THE CAP.
Establishment of the GNGH School of Nursing Graduates’
Commemorative Trust Fund
Spearheaded by members of the Class of 1963, the GNGH School of Nursing Graduates’ Commemorative Trust Fund was established as a fitting tribute to remember their service to the GNGH and to provide an opportunity of give back to the community as well hence the fund was created in collaboration with the GNGH Foundation. Monies raised through donation to this fund will be used primarily to outfit and furnish the Spiritual Centre (a quiet place where families may go for a respite from a loved one’s bedside). In recognition of the service of the Graduates of the School of Nursing, a plaque will be placed in the Spiritual Centre, as well as other memorabilia from the school. Once this goal is achieved any additional funds will be used to purchase comfort care items for patients in the nursing units.
We appeal to any and all past, present and future nurses, their families, friends and anyone whose life has been touched by a nursing caregiver to make a gift to the GNGH Nursing School Fund. Help us to continue to care for the GNGH’s patients and their families.
Make your gift by clicking on the DONATE button on the GNGH Foundation’s website:
www.gnghfoundation.com and indicate “NURSING FUND”. All gifts are eligible for a charitable receipt for income tax purposes (charitable registration number 11923 5885 RR00013).
Visit us on Facebook : GNGH School of Nursing (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/GNGH-School-of-Nursing-Alumni/348760738510025) to view graduation photos and share your experiences as an Alumnae.
Comments Off
