In one institution, sixty applications for nurses were refused in a fortnight, and every week demands have to be rejected at the training institution of St. John's House. Surely these facts cannot be known, or such a want in our social life would not be unsupplied. Young women who are toiling in needlework (whether plain work or dressmaking), sacrificing health and strength and eyesight to the labours of the short London season, and then are in miserable inactivity and poverty during many months of the year, will not shrink from the work of a nurse because of its hardships and fatigues and trials; and there is really much to recommend it to them as an occupation. A safe home and shelter are some of the advantages which are not to be despised, when we think of the fearful dangers and temptations which beset young women who go out to their daily work in great cities; and these, at least, are offered to nurses.
One benefit that would arise to the class of needlewomen by a large number being drafted off into other occupations would be, most probably, an increase of remuneration, owing to the decrease of competition. At present, when every one is struggling for employment in an overstocked market, the lowest rate of payment is readily accepted; and when work is only done to eke out a maintenance chiefly provided by other members of the family, this is comparatively unimportant; but when it is the sole provision and means of subsistence, it becomes a fearful evil, and drives persons to yield to the saddest temptations in order to avoid starvation.
In conclusion, let me mention where it is that nurses for the sick are chiefly wanted, and also where they can be taught their profession.
(1) In all the great and numerous hospitals of London.
(2) In all the county and other hospitals and infirmaries in the country.
