9 Nursing Rules From 1887

When most of us think about nurses, we certainly think about them with a degree of respect. Not only are they there for us when we have a medical need, they have often gone through a lot just to get into that position. It takes more than a desire to become a nurse, it takes a lot of schooling as well.

They are a valuable part of the medical community and without their assistance and care, many of us would have a difficulty getting by when we needed medical assistance. They are also a valuable counterpart to first responders, but they do their work in a medical setting, including doctors offices and hospitals. Their jobs may differ, depending on where they work but in any location, they are caring individuals who have your best interest in mind.

Because they are medical professionals, nurses are responsible for providing services that are life-saving. They also produce other benefits for those who have a need for their care, including providing some kindness and comfort. When we take a look back through time, however, we see that the nursing profession has changed over the years. Take a look at these rules for nurses from 1887 and you will see that we have certainly come a long way.

Each nurse was responsible for caring for 50 patients daily but they also had to follow each of these rules strictly. If you think nursing is tough today, just wait to you see this.

1. Daily sweep and mop the floors of your ward, dust the patient’s furniture and window sills.

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2. Maintain an even temperature in your ward by bringing in a scuttle of coal for the day’s business.

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3. Light is important to observe the patient’s condition. Therefore, each day fill kerosene lamps, clean chimneys and trim wicks.

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4. The nurse’s notes are important in aiding your physician’s work. Make your pens carefully; you may whittle nibs to your individual taste.

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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 she will be off from noon to 2 p.m.

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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.

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7. Each nurse should lay aside from each payday a goodly sum of her earnings 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.

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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.

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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.

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Via: Little Things

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