Tropical home nursing / by R.J. Blackham.

  • Robert J. Blackham
Date:
1921
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Tropical home nursing / by R.J. Blackham. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    48/198 page 34
    During the period of illness the patient is entirely at her mercy, bodily, and often mentally as well, and entirely dependent upon her for all his comfort and in many cases for his chance of recovery. A nurse has countless opportunities of relieving physical and mental suffering by her care, or she may increase it by her carelessness and sometimes by her bad temper. A nurse’s work may, therefore be summarized as follows :—(1) To carry out the doctor’s orders, (2) to watch the patient so as to give an intelligent account of his condition during her tour of duty in the sick-room, (3) to supply the patient’s wants, and (4) to help him with her care and tenderness. Doctors are especially careful in employing nurse to select those who are loyal to them, and who, if they wish to talk over the case, will do so with the doctor, and not with the patient, as this alarms the latter. A nurse who discusses the doctor behind his back or the patient’s illness with the patient himself is not employed again. There are six qualifications which most women possess and it is the careful training of these qualities that produces a good nurse. Without them no diploma is of any avail. 1. PRESENCE OF MIND. This quality enables the nurse to see what is required in an emergency. 2. GENTLENESS. This quality will make her careful of the feelings of her patient, and considerate and delicate in the discharge of her duties.
    digitised image 1
    digitised image 2
    digitised image 3