In the years following the 1934 inauguration of the Jewish General Hospital (JGH), the hospital saw an increase in financial resources and began to discuss expansion. The creation of a nurses’ training school and residence became an ongoing topic of discussion in 1936, and in 1943, the JGH Board of Administrators developed plans to build it. Construction of the nursing school and residence began in 1948 as part of a planned addition to the eastern wing of the hospital. The new wing was completed in 1950 and the JGH School of Nursing and Residence officially opened its doors to the public in 1951 as the “only Canadian nurses’ training school under Jewish auspices.” The new nursing school helped the JGH address nursing staff shortages, while also providing more opportunity for aspiring nurses in the Jewish community, since many schools in Canada were not accepting Jewish students at the time.
When recruitment for the School of Nursing began in 1951, applications were open to women of all faiths and races. Prior to being accepted into the School of Nursing, the prospective student needed to meet strict admission guidelines, such as being between 18 and 35 years old, satisfying educational requirements (high school diploma), and having sound mental and physical health. Applicants’ credentials were reviewed and evaluated at McGill University. Following this, selected applicants completed a standardized personality and aptitude test to determine acceptance into the program. In order to graduate, students had to maintain exceptional grades and complete a mandatory 3-year program of study, consisting of a 44-hour workweek that included lectures, films, laboratory practice, bedside clinics, conferences, and seminars. In addition to this, student nurses were taught nutrition, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, psychology, ethics, sociology, medical nursing and aseptic practices.
Within the nurses’ residence, students followed strict standards of conduct sanctioned by the School of Nursing. For instance, dorm rooms had to be well kept, use of electricity and shower facilities were not permitted past 11:00pm, and no jewelry was to be worn on duty with the exception of a wedding ring and watch. If a student wished to leave the residence and stay out overnight, she needed to request a leave pass from the nursing office. If any student nurse failed to comply with the rules noted in the residence handbook, she risked being asked to withdraw from the school. The JGH Nurse’s Residence accommodated its students in single rooms, equipped with built-in furniture, as well as hot and cold running water. The residence facility also featured air-conditioned classrooms, a common room, a kitchenette, a library, and an auditorium. Oftentimes, the auditorium would be used to host dances and other events outside of classes. Aside from work and education, a wide array of recreational activities were offered to the students, including a roof patio for sunbathing, as well as tennis and ice skating. Students were also given a free membership to the nearby YM-YWHA, which provided supplementary year-round indoor activities. Over time, the School of Nursing began to establish its own traditions, such as formal dances, holiday events, yearbooks, graduation and pinning ceremonies, sports tournaments and annual ski trips.
In 1969, the School of Nursing admitted its final class of students, and as of 1970, nursing education became the domain of CEGEPs or universities. For those who attended the JGH School of Nursing, it was more than an educational institution; it was home to fond memories, friendships, learning experiences and hard work.
By Christophe Devos
Sources
Wright, Alexander. Our Tribute Everlasting: 50th Anniversary, Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital, 1934-1984. Montreal: Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital, 1984.
Regenstreif, Michael. Our History of Family Medicine: The Herzl Family Practice Centre and Department of Family Medicine of the Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, 1912-1994. Montreal: Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital, 1994.
Memoirs of Mercy: History of the Women's Auxiliary's Service, 1936-1960. Ed. Sylvia Raff. Montreal: Women's Auxiliary, Jewish General Hospital,1962.
*Images courtesy of the Jewish General Hospital Archives and the Jewish Public Library Archives.
