Manuscript class notebook of Miss Nellie T. Cranitch, graduate of the Boston City Hospital Training School for Nurses, with entries dated from May 22, 1891 to April 14, 1893
[ Boston, MA ]: [ no publisher ] 1891-1893. First Edition. Lightly ruled notebook, with perished spine and leather corners over cloth. 8 x 10 1/2 inches. Boston stationary store label on front pastedown. Signature of Nellie T. Cranitch on second flyleaf. 152 numbered pages, the first 100 of which are mostly completed. The rear contains several additional lecture notes, and a hand written index. All presumably in Nellie's hand. Each lecture identifies the teacher, subject, and date and is typically a few pages long. The index notes 33 entries, some of which are multiple part lectures. Topics range widely, and include Massage, Bacterology, Surgical dressings and landmarks, antiseptic dressings, theory of wounds, the physiology of pregnancy and labor, syphilis, care of children in health & disease, emergencies, etc. etc. The writing is in a clear hand, and appears to have been transcribed (presumably from in class notes) to this notebook (judging by the lack of cross-outs and corrections). This is NOT a casebook, but rather a "how-to" for the practicing nurse. Teachers include Dr. Bradford, Dr. Williams, Dr. Green, Dr. Prescott, Mr. Tucker, Dr. Watson, Dr. Jackson, and others. Very Good. Boards. [26673]
"In 1878, 14 years after the opening of Boston City Hospital, the training school was established, primarily as a result of the efforts of Dr. Edward Cowles, the administrative head of the hospital. Dr. Cowles selected Linda Richards, born Melinda Ann Richards (July 27, 1841), first graduate of a nurse training school in the United States (New England Hospital for Women and Children, 1873) to head the school. Miss Richards had the responsibility of creating the first nurse training school affiliated and controlled by a municipal hospital in the U.S. In building the program, Miss Richards drew from her experiences at St. Thomas’ Hospital, London (the Nightengale School) and thereby incorporated Florence Nightengale’s philosophy of nursing. The priority in nursing was and still is, patient care. A capable and dedicated woman as history depicts her, Linda Richards set up the curriculum (originally a two-year program), organized the intense training program (6 graduates out of 64 matriculations) and established the high level standards for nurse training which prevail even now...The official vote to close the school was made by the Board of Trustees on the eve of Tuesday, May 27, 1975, marking the end of a great school." (Boston City Hospital Nurses Alumni Association)
Miss Nellie T. Cranitch is found listed as a graduate of the program in the 1893/4 term. ("LIST OF GRADUATES. The Boston City Hospital Training School for Nurses." in the 33rd REPORT THE TRUSTEES THE BOSTON CITY HOSPITAL,... For the Year[s] 1896, to January 31, 1897, Inclusive.")
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