It is not always possible to meet with a well-trained nurse, even in a large town, while for those who are likely to consult the pages of this book it may be an impossibility to meet with a professed nurse of any kind. The hints here given are therefore addressed to those who may be compelled to be both nurse and doctor, and who in either capacity may be beyond the reach of professional or other aid.

Cheerfulness and forgetfulness of self are prime requisites in the character of the woman who undertakes the duties of a nurse. Illness makes people selfish, therefore it is the more necessary that there should be unselfishness to cope with this weakness.

A nurse should secure quietness in the sick-room, and should permit only cheerful conversation - if possible, not too much of that. In acute affections of the brain this is a point of the highest importance. In haemoptysis, or "spitting of blood," strict silence must be enjoined upon the patient, who should make use of a pencil for questions or answers.

The nurse should carefully avoid the narration of doleful tales of fearful cases she has seen or heard of, as these depress the patient and interfere with recovery.

Directions for the management of the patient, given by those who are responsible for the well-doing of each case, should be strictly attended to by the nurse.

In all severe cases of illness, such as fevers, inflammations, accidents, etc., a written memorandum should be kept of each time of taking food, wine, medicine, etc., with their precise quantities. Without a check of this kind it is very easy to give too much or too little, or to transgress directions as to time.

It need hardly be remarked that sobriety is absolutely indispensable in a nurse. This requisite is at once admitted; but many persons do, through false kindness, their very best to banish temperance from the sickroom. They will leave wine and spirit bottles open in the room, and expect that they shall not be touched. Until nurses in general shall have earned a much higher character than is at present the case, it is safer net to put temptation in the way.

Caution In Use Of Stimulants

Another point in reference to this same subject may be mentioned. When stimulants are advisable for illness, great care must be taken not only that they are judiciously administered as to present quantity, but that they are discontinued with regard to future consequences, when no longer wanted for immediate requirements.