WELCOME HOME: Once again Bradford Hospital School of Nursing
Alumni reunion has rolled around.[neWLine]

And, once again, we turn RTS over to Jean Switalski whose
remarks examine the changes time has brought to the
profession.[neWLine]

“”Coming from all points north, east, south, and west to share
the evening with classmates; sharing experiences, reliving the good
old- bad old- times and remarking at how procedures have changed
since we were students (probies.)””[neWLine]

“”Where are all the niceties we remember? Where are the back
rubs three times a day, and the long hospital stays?ð Where did the
white uniforms, caps, shoes, and hose go?[neWLine]

“”And where did the ‘hands on’ care, the tightening of the draw
sheets, and the am and pm care go? I have been in hospitals where
there is no way one can spot an RN (real nurse.) I’m beginning to
know now who teachers referred to as Sairy Gamps. Along with the
demise of the cap and white uniform went the patient’s respect and
confidence.[neWLine]

“”Remember that wool Navy blue cape with the red lining and the
gold letters BHSN on the collar and our shoes polished to
perfection, the walk from Hamsher House to the hospital, we
strutted, proudly to be a part of the team of many?[neWLine]

“”Today’s healthcare could not be more different. Costs are high
and rising.ð Rising costs cannot be explained by improvements in
quality. Medical services today are restricted or rationed. Many
patients receive care that is below accepted procedures or
standards. Today the HMOs dictate case timetables.[neWLine]

“”Most of Bradford Hospital School of Nursing graduates are
retired from their nursing careers, but the fond memories of
Bradford Hospital live on. That’s why we’re here tonight, to try to
catch a few of those memories, to see our sisters of the cloth, to
touch, hug, smile across the room at those who are with us and to
remember those who are not.[neWLine]

“”But most of all we’re here to come back to our roots where we
honed our skills, self-confidence, discipline, respect, commitment,
and the being there at the beginnings and the ends of
lives.[neWLine]

“”Those three years are looked back on with love. To those who
taught, steered, and plotted our road map for a future of success
and surprises, we thank you. And to our sisters in white, shall we
join hands in our circle of shared memories?””