SUPERINTENDENTS OF SMALL HOSPITALS

Abstract

THERE is no class of women workers in this country more overworked, more under-paid, and more poorly prepared for their work than the superintendents of small hospitals. In most instances the holders of these positions are graduate women nurses because no mere man would consent to assume such great responsibility and to work so many hours for the salary received. Every day the large hospitals are recommending for positions of great responsibility, women who have had no preparation for the work which lies before them. They are often recent graduates, or young women who have been head nurses for some time, and who have never ma.naged even the smallest household. The head nurse of a large hospital ward may manage her ward admirably, and yet have the vaguest idea as to how to purchase hospital supplies or to order the groceries. She sends to the supply room and to the kitchen, lists of things needed after the medical officer has decided what the patients shall eat and drink. The responsibility of the patients rests for the most part with that young man. She keeps order, works hard, may or may not teach the pupil nurses, as this depends upon the kind of woman she is and her ability. Why is she chosen? Because she is a good ward housekeeper and chances to be available. What are her new duties ? She goes to a hospital of say twenty-five beds, ten nurses, and five servants. Sometimes she has a housekeeper. If so, the salary is so small, that only a woman of little experience can be obtained. Her assistant is often a recent graduate, ready to give herself without stint to the work in hand but with no special knowledge for her many duties. The management of the storeroom, kitchen, and laundry is made arduous in the extreme by the constant procession of women of various nationalities coming and going out of the back door of the hospital. The trustees know little about hospital work and are willing to leave most matters to the judgment of the superintendent. The hospital is probably dependent upon charity for its continued existence. There are eight or ten physicians on the staff, all of whom must be pleased and met with such tact as she can summon to her aid. The superintendent assigns patients to their beds, sees their friends, and is at the mercy of anyone who chooses to call for her at the door or over 622