Im cheryl conway. I have a very special feeling about nurses. And nursing. To me nursing is a great profession. A nurse as one of the few people in our society who measure success in terms of service and benefits to mankind rather than in achievement of wealth and fame. The army nurse embodies the fine attributes of nurses everywhere and then adds a few qualities of her own. She works and lives according to a simple code. Grant that i be worthy of the secret pledge of my profession and belied those entrusted to my care. Help me to offer hope and cheer in the hearts of men in my country. Help and cheer in the hearts of men. The purpose and meaning of army nursing. The history of military nursing is as old as our country. It is a proud story. One that illuminate some of the finest moments in our national history. George washington was the first to recognize the important of military nursing. On his recommendation contract nurses were engaged at the salary of two dollars per month. While the rage of paints change somewhat the original need for nurses as expressed by George Washington remained the same. Contract nurses were used again and the civil war at the beginning of the civil war, 6000 women performed some type of Hospital Service under dorothy addicts. Here again, the record was one of service and heroism. The Army Nurse Corps as we know it, was formed after the spanish american war in 1901. , here for the first time professional nurses were used to support military forces in the field. In addition to caring for the sick and wounded and combat situations, these nurses working with the doctors became pioneers in the new fields of sanitary engineering and preventive medicine. The history of the Army Nurse Corps in overseas species or in wars of our country is a story of patriotism and devotion to duty. A story that is usually lost and discussions of military maneuvers and spectacular victories. I suppose it is a quiet story. Quiet, but it illustrates Human Capacity for nobility. In world war one, the Army Nurse Corps came of age. It grew from a meager 400 to a force of 21,000 nurses. They served with valor and dangerous situations, saving lives and bringing comfort to the sick and wounded. General portion who stole the recognition of grateful country and the soldiers of mercy who did their chops so well. But some of them never saw the results of their devoted efforts. Between 1917 and 1918, 296 nurses lost their lives in the service of their country. The tradition continued and world war ii when the court grew to a strength of ultimately 57,000. Eagerly, they came to offer their services and what was to become the most savage trouble in history. They served with distinction and every theater of operation. They followed the first troops in north africa, they nursed and sustained the morality and battle forces. They improvised and cared to the sick and wounded in the jungles. They brought life and comfort to allied forces on the bitter bitter battlefields of europe. Nowhere was the story more thrillingly active out then at the beach. After the landing army nurses went ashore and worked villages in the winter of 1944. They were there when we needed them they were there all right. They said they took the same beating we did. The angels of enzi off. Figures in the dark, desolate winter hell. They knew their job. We knew that we could depend on them. They worked in all kinds of makeshift setups around the clock in an effort to keep us in good shape. They did a great job. We were all grateful. Very grateful. The hospital tense for shelter regularly but that did not stop them they even nursed the enemy pilot that was shot down. They served in the true tradition of the core, with courage, skill and devotion. After that came the korean war. The army nurse was there. The army nurse was there. [sounds of gunfire and bombs] punch bowls, pork chop, heart break ridge, colorful names from the colorless korean war. Where there was one army nurse when the fighting started, within two weeks, there were 57. Before it was over, the corps grew to 5500. They saw duty in the cold and the wind, the heat and the mud. One wouldnt find this type of clothing along fifth avenue. But then these nurses werent in korea to put on a fashion show. They were there to care for the flow of wounded men. As they went about their duties, no one cared about their attire. As one war correspondent put it, they walked in duty. When there was a lull in the fighting, that meant there was a chance to serve the community. But these residents refused. There was a greater need for their skill and stamina, as one Commanding Officer wrote, when all hope ebbed, each remained compassionate because it was often the last thing on earth the soldiers saw. Today, once again, they are answering the call to arms. Our soldiers are fighting in faroff vietnam, where the suffering and injuries of war are made even more difficult because of the climate. But in their suffering, they wont be ignored. [sounds of bombs informed] the army nurse is there to heal, comfort and encourage. The army nurse is where the action is. In the heat of the tropics. Tending to the sick and wounded, in tents behind the lines. But tomorrow, these tents could be the lines in the fluid situation of such a hidden war. They live here too. This canvas court is home. No matter how you spell it. Anywhere in the world, under any condition, the feminine mystique is ever present and along with it, the fem feminine ritual. But it isnt all tents and baggy fatigues. These soldier of mercy do get to wear crisp, white uniforms. As with all areas in the army, duties vary. Here in another facility in vietnam, the army nurse works side by side with other members of the medical team in their mutual dedication. Its becoming more and that of healing and preserving human life. Preserving human life. The men and women of the Army Nurse Corps who are near the more urban areas take advantage of their offduty time to absorb the atmosphere and culture in this Southeast Asia corner of the world. The men and women of the Army Nurse Corps who are near the more urban areas take advantage of their offduty time to absorb the atmosphere and culture in this Southeast Asia corner of the world. [asian music] as in new york city, a cab ride here may not be the fastest way, but it does offer a chance to rest a little while, getting to ones destination. The record they established has become part of our history, a glorious part. Supporting combat troops in their effort to protect our liberty and freedom is the traditional function of the army nurse. It is not, however, the only contribution she has to offer. The Army Nurse Corps has developed into one of the finest and most comprehensive Nursing Services in the world. These men and women of the Army Nurse Corps reflect the highest standards in nursing and patriotism. This did not happen merely with the passing of time or through some fortunate accident. It was a result, rather, of careful selection, intensive training and broad experience. And it happened because of the deep patriotic and humane motivation of the men and women who have come and continued to come to offer their services to the corps. They Enter Service as registered professional nurses. The basic requirements, the army adds the intensive education and experience required to make them military nurses. And so they move forward in pursuit of their goal, to help the sick and wounded, and to offer hope and cheer in the hearts of men. music [music] music mus ic this begins at the Brook Army Medical Center at fort sam houston, texas. Here the nurse is educated in a variety of military subjects. These include military law, courtesies and costume customs, information on how to assume the responsibilities of an army officer. Their orientation includes the complete range of bedside nursing activities. They learn here what it means to be part of the army medical team. A role they follow as long as they remain an army nurse. This is where their contribution really begins. Their first assignment in the big stateside army hospital. The hospital is a place of value in the military as well as in the civilian community. Here, in a vast mosaic of small sounds and movements, they practice their art. This includes every aspect of general nursing and patient care. It also includes specialties such as anesthesia. Operating room nursing. Psychiatric nursing. Obstetrics, pediatrics and many others. The rake of experience is come the range of experience is complete, and the opportunities to serve, endless. But the creation of a military nurse includes more than merely providing diversified employment opportunities. Of equal importance is the educational process that starts with the first day in service and continues throughout the nurses entire career. The role of men and women nurses in education has two distinct aspects. They study as pupils, seeking new and better methods of patient care. And they also serve as instructors for other hospital personnel. This varied experience paid off in pays off in several base. It prepares the nurses for important duties and it helps them in choosing the specialty they wish to follow in their career. For example, army nurses participated in the research that led to the development of the regulated Environmental Systems for safety. A major advance in the prevention and control of infections. Nurses also made important contributions to the development of the armys transportable hospital unit. This unit is designed for use in remote or disaster areas and has the potential for both military and civilian utilization. A hospitals word facilities, xray, laboratory and operating room is set up in less than an hour. A new concept and a new atmosphere for army nursing. And so the benefits of their education and experience move in everwidening and more comp comprehensive circles. Nurses also have participated in research in the use of radioactive isotopes in patient care and in the design of new hospital equipment, such as this electric bed, used for many types of injuries and diseases. It is especially useful in the burn patient. The modern army nurse uses the latest and most complex equipment. This includes devices such as the bennett machine, used in the treatment of certain respiratory conditions. And the artificial kidney or peritoneal dialysis. The search for new methods and more effective nursing programs continues in a variety of ways. One such activity is the International Council of nurses, which was held in frankfurt, germany. Here information and ideas are exchanged on all matters relating to the healing arts. In these international meetings, members of the Army Nurse Corps offer their full and enthusiastic cooperation, working according to the true purposes of their careers, the army nurses serve here as teachers, sharing their experiences and knowledge with their colleagues, from nursing organizations all over the world and learning at the same time of what other nurses are attempting and achieving in their particular health program. The congress does more, however, than serve as a forum for the exchange of technical information. It offers great spiritual value to the members of this international partnership. It provides the opportunity for a cultural companionship during a visit to the opera. And ideal occasions for developing new and lasting social relationships. Another activity designed to widen and strengthen friendships was a boat trip up the rhine river. The ninehour trip gave the nurses a chance to view the scenery, have lunch, sunbathe and take pictures, all to the tune of a germany band. music [music] music mus ic motivated by the ideals of their profession and the highest standards of patriotism, these nurses reach out and join hands in an International Effort to win the war against pain, disease and death. Like many of you, i used to have a pretty set idea on who the nurse is and what she does. The setting was always a hospital or the Doctors Office and the duties never seemed to vary. This is not true, however, of the army nurse. A study of her duties reveals that all this has been changed. The scope of her duties and the locals in which she locals in which she practices have undergone many significant changes since the corps was formed in 1901. One of the specialties is army health nursing. The army health nurse performs the Public Health services needed by servicemen and their families. They visit the homes of military families to give care and advice. This service is provided in both United States and in overseas theaters of operation. The problems range from Urgent Health matters to the teaching of prospective parents. The army nurse serves anywhere in the world she is needed. This may be in places such as alaska. The tropics. In europe. Or somewhere in the far east. A principle area of concern of the modern army nurse is in the various civic action programs being developed in the developing countries of the world. They contribute here in a different kind of war. The war against hunger, ignorance and disease. Nursing and civic action includes many diversified activities. Principally, it is the extension of medical and nursing care to people who desire and need help. The nurse also provides assistance where natural disasters, such as the iranian earthquake, which destroyed homes and villages. In fact, anywhere our troops have a mission, the army nurse is there. Not only to administer to them but to the people of the country as well. Here in santa domingo, the soldier of mercy are true to tradition, as they treat and heal a local civilian. Education of the people in other lands is an important part of the civic action program. This also includes the medical education of health personnel. In extending this assistance, army nurses are not hampered by specified boundaries. They respond promptly when the need exists, to the appeal for help found in the eyes of the sick, the weak, and the helpless. And so they continue for the hearts, the minds and the health of the people in the emerging nations of the world. The range of the army nursesactivities the range of the army nursesactivities encompasses all of life. They are concerned with the beginning of life, the preservation of life, and with the care of those who fight communist subversion in vietnam and other areas. And with the protection of the american soldier and his allies in our own hemisphere. The army nurse has a long and Honorable Service history in the service of her country. The army nurse is truly a soldier of mercy. The meaning and purpose of her life is clear in her every action. Very simply, it is to offer hope and cheer in the hearts of men. music [music] music mus ic you can watch archival
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