Practical hints on district nursing / by Amy Hughes.

  • Hughes, Amy.
Date:
1898
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Practical hints on district nursing / by Amy Hughes. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    or four children, in a tidy but not too well- furnished home. They may have one fair-sized front room and a small one at the back, or perhaps only the one, depending on the rents of the locality. To the seasoned district nurse it is an oft-told tale, and at a glance she takes in the possibilities of the position. As she enters she greets both patient and wife, and explains the doctor has sent her to help the latter. It should be remembered the wife often rather resents her husband being cared for by others, and it needs a little tact to make her feel she is not being supplanted. The cloak is removed and placed out of the way on a chair, clothes-line, or behind the door, never on or near the bed or sofa if the nurse be wise! The temperature, pulse, and respirations are first recorded, and the nurse ascertains a little of the history of the disease and what has already been done. The necessary things are then hunted up, basin, poultice basin, comb, two towels or substitutes, flannel and soap, rag and linseed for the poultices, and a kettle of boiling water. A piece of tow, back powder, and methylated spirits are also put ready. Unless sponging has been ordered it is wiser not to attempt too much the first visit—washing the patient's face, neck and hands is enough. It is also better not to move the shirt and vest unless unavoidable, as the nurse can notice the patient's