Our world is filled with heroes, and although we often revere those individuals who fight for our country, fight fires or defend us from crime, there also heroes who tend to us when we’re sick and injured. They take care of our daily needs while at our bedside…I’m speaking of nurses. They not only care for us physically, but emotionally as well. Their kindness when we at our worst can make a lasting impression.
The profession of nursing has changed over the years as hospitals, healthcare and technology has evolved. It’s interesting, though, to reflect back at how nursing has changed. This list of rules for a “bedside” nurse dates back to 1887. Some of the rules may seem strange to us now, but they also reveal just how hardworking and dedicated nurses were over a century ago.
The following job description was given to floor nurses by a hospital in 1887:
In addition to caring for your 50 patients, each nurse will follow these regulations:
1. Daily sweep and mop the floors of your ward, dust the patient’s furniture and window sills.
2. Maintain an even temperature in your ward by bringing a scuttle of coal for the day’s business.
3. Light is important to observe the patient’s condition. Therefore, each day fill kerosene lamps, clean chimneys and trim wicks. Wash the windows once a week.
4. The nurse’s notes are important in aiding the physician’s work. Make your pens carefully; you may whittle nibs to your individual taste.
5. Each nurse on day duty will report every day at 7 a.m. and leave at 8 p.m. except on the Sabbath on which day you will be off from 12 noon to 2 p.m.
6. Graduate nurses in good standing with the director of nurses will be given an evening off each week for courting purposes or two evenings a week if you go regularly to church.
7. Each nurse should lay aside from each pay day a goodly sum of her earning for her benefits during her declining years so that she will not become a burden. For example, if you earn $30 a month you should set aside $15.
8. Any nurse who smokes, uses liquor in any form, gets her hair done at a beauty shop, or frequents dance halls will give the director of nurses good reason to suspect her worth, intentions and integrity.
9. The nurse who performs her labors and serves her patients and doctors faithfully and without fault for a period of five years will be given an increase by the hospital administration of five cents per day.
Nurses everywhere deserve our appreciation and respect for the work they do and the care they give. Share this look back at nursing with your friends!
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