Friday, June 22, 2012

The nurse of 1887

I have to share this information that was published in a newsletter from the hospital I work at. Makes you appreciate how hard nurses worked (and still do-just in different ways) The following was taken from a 1887 magazine published by Cleveland Lutheran Hospital:

"In addition to caring for your 50 patients, each nurse will follow these regulations:

*daily sweep and mop the floors of your ward, dust the patients' furniture and window sills
*maintain an even temperature in your ward by bringing in a scuttle of coal for the day's business
*light is important to observe the patient's condition. Therefore, each day fill kerosene lamps, clean chimneys and trim wicks. Wash windows once a week.
*the nurse's notes are important to aiding the physician's work. Make your pens carefully. You may whittle nibs to your individual taste.
*each nurse on day duty will report everyday at 7am and leave at 8pm
*graduate nurses in good standing with the Director of Nursing will be given an evening off each week for courting purposes, or two evenings a week if you go to church regularly
*each nurse should set aside a goodly sum of her wages for her declining years as not to become a burden. Example: If you earn 30 you should set aside 15
*any nurse who smokes, uses liquor in any form, gets her hair done at the beauty shop, or frequents dance halls will give the Director of Nursing good reason to suspect her worth, intentions, and integrity
*the nurse who performs her labor, serves her patients, and doctors faithfully and without fault for a period of 5 years will be given an increase by the hospital of five cents a day, providing there are no hospital debts outstanding"

I'm thankful for those who chose to make this their profession. Compared to this, my job seems easy!

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