The patient is the primary concern of the nurse, Dr. John Adri-ani told the graduating class of the Charity Hospital School of Nursing Thursday night at the St. Charles hotel.
Dr. Adriani, director of the department of anesthesia at the hospital, told the group that "as long as you do what is best for the patient, you can do no wrong."
The nurse of today, he said, is better trained, has a better background and finds less drudgery than the nurse of 10 years
He said today a nurse's duties are more complex and call for nurses' aids as assistants.
But, he cautioned, when the nurse comes to feel the care o£ a patient is beneath her dignity, then no longer is she a" nurse in the real meaning of the term.
He urged the graduatig class not to stop learning, to keep up with the new ideas in their profession, "for unless you study you will be left behind."
Dr. Robert Bernhard, director of the hospital, presented the diplomas and special awards to three nurses.
To Miss Elizabeth Jane Taylor, Somerset, Ky., went the honor pin of the school of nursing, highest award attainable, as the outstanding nurse in the graduating class. She was chosen by the faculty for character, nursing ability, scholarship, loyalty, leadership, participation in school activities and influence on the student body. Sister Zita, director of Sister's division of the school, pinned on the award,
A $250 scholarship award for the highest scholastic average was awarded Miss Kathryn Jean Mc-Clendon, Warren,, Ark.
Honorable mention as the outstanding nurse went to Miss Katie Jo Boone, Willacoochee, Ga. In addition, Miss Boone merited special recognition for exceptional kindness to her patients.
Nine nurses were named to Sigma
Alpha Chi, honorary nursing sorority. They are Misses Boone, MeClendon, Taylor, Louise Atlas, Barbara Helen Bedford, Carolyn Hope Harrison, Elizabeth La-verne Mason, Loanne Marie Peacock and Dorothy Ann Vander-lick.
