The Story of our Health Message

A Call for Recruits

Another call was made for recruits to enter “a school for the training of nurses” on the first of November, 1883. It was promised that “the course of instruction will include all the branches of practical and theoretical study necessary to qualify competent persons to become first-class professional nurses.” The Review and Herald, October 23, 1883. The course was lengthened to six months. This time there was a more encouraging response; indeed so large a number of letters was received from persons who desired to attend but could not come on such short notice that the opening was postponed for two weeks. So great was the demand for trained nurses that the sanitarium physicians felt free to guarantee situations for all graduates of the school who would become proficient. SHM 245.3

At the end of this six-month course, the period of training was lengthened to two years. The school of nursing became better known, and with each succeeding year the number of applications increased. Some came because they saw in the nursing profession a lucrative occupation, but more were prompted by their love of humanity and an earnest desire to qualify for service in God’s work. SHM 245.4

After four years, in 1888, was formed a class of eight who solemnly pledged themselves to devote their lives to missionary work. These were given more advanced instruction than those in the regular training classes. Their example was an important factor in influencing others to engage more directly in the combined ministry of health and religion. The members of this class later filled important positions, some in institutional work, others as foreign missionaries, and some as teachers. SHM 246.1