NURSING DISCIPLINE

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 55, 3 September 1945, Page 4

NURSING DISCIPLINE

Sir, —As two patients of a longstanding illness we would like to state that during our period of illness _we have experienced nursing conditions both with and without the supervision of a ward sister. As a result, we have realised that discipline and experienced supervision are most essential, especially where the patients' welfare and the nurse-to-patient attitude is concerned. Nursing those who are sick and often impatient is, we know, very trying. But every girl who takes up the profession must realise this, even before she commences and be prepared to cope with such situations. It seems unfortunate if the standard of so important and highlyrespected a profession is to be lowered in the same ratio as most other jobs toda\ Does it not seem logical that the practical side of a nurse's duty means far more to a sick and partly helpless fellow-being than a list of examination results? Supervision alone seems to certify practical efficiency, and surely a little sympathy and consideration are not too much to expect, instead of being regarded as an inanimate cog in the wheel of everyday routine.—We are, etc., TWO PATIENT PATIENTS. Sir, —I have just spent eight weeks in hospital and can truly endorse what "18 Sisters" assert regarding staff shortage. I saw on several occasions the sister and staff nurses mopping out the wards on visiting days, and doing other duties that were previously allotted to wardsmaids. I was desperately ill for six or seven weeks, and I have only the highest praise for the sister in charge, staff nurses, and nurses. Everyone was most kind and efficient. Nothing was too much trouble, and they were never cross-tempered, though often on duty long after their time to go off. I think it is time they manpowered' some of the girls in service uniform to help these overworked nurses and relieve them from sweeping wards and doing dishes after spending years of their lives training for duty to patients.—l am, etc., DEEPLY-GRATEFUL PATIENT.