Efficiency Depends Upon Vigor
The efficiency of the nurse depends, to a great degree, upon physi-
cal vigor. The better the health, the better will she be able to endure the
strain of attendance upon the sick and the more successfully can she
perform her duties. Those who care for the sick should give special at-
tention to diet, cleanliness, fresh air, and exercise. Like carefulness on
the part of the family will enable them also to endure the extra burdens
brought upon them and will help to prevent them from contracting
disease....
Nurses, and all who have to do with the sickroom, should be
cheerful, calm, and self-possessed. All hurry, excitement, or confusion
should be avoided. Doors should be opened and shut with care and
the whole household be kept quiet. In cases of fever, special care is
needed when the crisis comes and the fever is passing away. Then
constant watching is often necessary. Ignorance, forgetfulness, and
recklessness have caused the death of many who might have lived
had they received proper care from judicious, thoughtful nurses.—
The
Ministry of Healing, 219-222
(1905).
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