Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 January 1909 — IN THE SICK ROOM [ARTICLE]

IN THE SICK ROOM

HINTB THAT NURBE WILL DO WELL TO REMEMBER. S I Occupation Is Trying at the Best, and Much Strain Can Be Avoided by Intelligent Methods of Work. It Is a great art to be a good sick nurse. It is surprising how individuality comeS out in the sickroom. The patient’s individuality shows itself by the patient being either gentle and patient or Irritable and unreasonable. The individuality of the nurse will‘be expressed in the way she meets these developments of the patient The strain on the part of the nurse to hold herself in check, to subdue her own individuality and adapt herself to the temperament, moods and whims of the patient is excessive. This mental strain is what wears out the trained nurse, because it is ceaseless. She goes from one case to another, and it is always the same thing, with variations. But you home nurses may, fortunately, only have an illness in the family once in a long time, so that you do not have this endless strain. When it does come take it quietly and call into use all your self-reserve, for you may need it A very ill person, especially .if delirious, may take a temporary dislike to some members of the family, and the queer part of it is that it is generally the patient’s favorite when well. You will have to use tact and not let a thing of this kind ruffle you. Remember, it is the disease and not the real feelings of the patient There may be a hundred times a day that you will feel like resenting something said or Implied, but say nothing and let it go. The more you argue with a sick person the more set the patient becomes. The high fever is accountable for much of this fractiousness and you will always bear in mind that the patient would be distressed if conscious of the fact that she is behaving unreasonably and giving unnecessary worry and unhappiness. A delirious patient may say something that will arouse your righteous wrath and your first instinct is to “answer back.” But hold onto yourself and say nothing. Be firm in giving the regular treatment at the regular times. The patient may object, then blame you afterward for not having done all things needed. By coaxing and using tact you can have your way about it, but you cannot if you go about it in a brusque way that will antagonize the “patient " 1 In trifles humor the patient, but in things of vital importance try quietly to gain your point. Never use force with an ill person; persuasion answers better. Never look tired and bored in the sickroom; it will annoy and distress the patient. We often hear some one say, after there has been an illness in the family: “I never had my clothes off for weeks.” That seems the acme of good home nursing to many women. According to the trained idea it fs absurd. It adds nothing to the comfort of the par tient for you to be uncomfortable and unhygienic for weeks. It is so unnecessary from every standpoint. A hospital nurse is trained to take good care of herself, otherwise she cannot take good care of her patient. 1 Never eat your meals in the sick room; it annoys the patient and is not wholesome for you. Never complain while in the sick- ' room of pain in your baick from bending over the bed, though you will be sure to have it. Don’t sigh and say you have a headache from staying indoors so much. The patient may feel bad as it is to give yoa this extra ■ work and responsibility for caring for tier. Don’t add to her distress by re- ! pining or pitying yourself. If you have no member of the fam- . Uy to help you, you should accept th*e help of a neighbor; they are always good about helping, too.