p. 19 | Sanitarium Relief Campaign by L. A. HANSEN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 18, 1910

Sanitarium Relief Campaign

By L. A. HANSEN

_The Educational Side of Sanitarium Work_

The educational value of our sanitarium work is worthy of notice, and may well be appreciated as an important factor in the advancement of our denominational work, in both home and foreign fields. Our increasing activity in medical missionary effort demands a growing force of trained workers, and already the demand is for more nurses than can be supplied.

We have in training about one thousand student nurses. These are choice young people, persons who have finished or are finishing their school education, and are prepared to begin bearing responsibilities. This is the source of supply for future demands for help of this kind.

In receiving students it is the aim to take only such as give evidence of spiritual strength. They must be strong physically, and possess good mental ability. The general qualifications required of those who compose this large force of workers make it a company capable of much good. There is certainly need of wise planning and careful work, that this company may be rightly trained, and their capabilities wisely utilized. Our people everywhere should pray to this end.

The monetary value of the training given our nurses is not the item of greatest worth, but it is one of no small consideration. It would be a moderate estimate to say that board, room, laundry, and tuition are worth one hundred fifty dollars a year to each student. This would make the educational work of our sanitariums worth $150,000 a year. The cost of this is met, not by conferences or individuals, but by the labor of the students in the institutions. In most of our sanitariums the student is enabled to earn sufficient to buy needed books and clothing, and some money besides. How gladly would we see the same opportunity afforded in our school work!

_Missionary Training_

In a sanitarium is afforded one of the best fields possible for missionary effort. The student nurse is there to learn how to do missionary work, and is given the opportunity of learning by doing. The varied conditions of need, physical and spiritual, met with, give a wide range of practical experience in working for souls. The student missionary who is awake to the privileges thus afforded, and who improves faithfully the opportunities given, will be well prepared for practical missionary work elsewhere.

_Industrial Training_

No better opportunity for training in the practical things of life could be asked than is offered in sanitarium work, if properly utilized. The regular course of instruction generally includes the subjects of domestic science, cookery, and dressmaking. The work of the institution usually permits each student to have practical training and experience in all kinds of household duties in kitchen, dining-room, chamber, laundry, and parlor. In some of our sanitariums a wider range of experience in useful employment is given, while the student is at the same time carrying on the regular studies of the course.

In some places the close proximity of a sanitarium and a school permits co-operation between the two both in their class work and in furnishing employment to students who are attending either the one or the other.

This feature of our sanitarium work should appeal to all. In strengthening these institutions we are aiding in the support of a very important training-school for the development of needed workers. This is a valuable asset for the operation of our denominational work, and deserves assistance and protection.

L. A. HANSEN.