The inn of rest : divers episodes in hospital life relative to the doctor, the nurse, the patient / edited by Sheldon E. Ames.

  • Ames, Sheldon E.
Date:
1905
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The inn of rest : divers episodes in hospital life relative to the doctor, the nurse, the patient / edited by Sheldon E. Ames. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    IT. THE NURSE. mP=HE Survival of the Fittest means more than [fei length of days; it involves the mastery of the N@e| feeble by the forceful while life endures, the ee) absorbing of little personalities by great ones, the supremacy of strength in love and in war. A poor look- out for sick folk were there not an obverse side—the par- asitical dependence of weakness upon might. Strength has the right of way. He strikes out bravely with his brawny legs. But cunning Weakness sits astride the neck of the conqueror and rides more safely than he could walk. Rare is the invalid who goes unattended. With blandishments and carefuly composed witticisms, with grateful compliments and coaxing good-humor, many nurses are hired, especially if they are relatives and above regular wages or liberal donations of half-worn coats and dresses. The professional important for knowledge of her art, Cousin Jane solicitous about foot- warmers and the flavor of their broth, and Mrs. O’Fla- herty from a neighboring attic, “tidying up and setting things handy,” before she goes to her day’s work—each has her price in coin of the realm or the heart. It is always possible to pay in one or the other; and in conse- quence, one nurse at least to every invalid, is ordinarily the proportion. The advent of the professional is usually attended with mystery. The patient opens his eyes, after the confusion of delirium or the blank of stupor, and she is there by his bedside, offering a cooling drink or a dose of medicine. Whence she came or how he cannot tell. It seems to him in the first waverings of consciousness that she has always been there, that he is the late arrival. He watches