Nursing in the 20th century
...aily hygiene, so nurses are responsible for these tasks. A nurse featured in the article, “The Quality of Mercy” said that she did not “mind her work- despite the high tech gear and the life-and-death responsibility- requires services as humble as Jesus’ washing of his disciples’ feet” (43). Patient care studies detail treatment and therapies provided by nurses for treatment of various illnesses (Livesay, Care Study). In addition, care studies outline problems and expected outcomes or goals due to a particular treatment (Livesay, Care Study). Clearly, nursing is a highly skilled profession with huge amounts of responsibility. Nurses perform these numerous duties for not one, but an entire hall of needy patients. These daily chores appear to be enough to keep any caregiver busy, yet nurses are becoming more and more responsible for another type of wellness. Good 3 In the past few years, the field of nursing has displayed a concern for not only the physical wellness of patients, but their emotional wellness. “Nurses practice medicine as an art, marshaling compassion and skill in equal measure” (Wolkomir 41). While dealing with an oncology patient, Vanessa Livesay stated “comfort is the most important gift [my patient] can be given. Support must be offered, whether accepted or not. If the spirit is in distress, there is usually little comfort for the body” (Livesay, Care Study). This new approach toward nursing is in an effort to make patients feel comfortable and at home. Since nurses are in continual contact with patients, they develop a bond of trust. A patient mentioned in “The Quality of Mercy,” looks forward to the company of her nurse, and the familiarity of her voice (Wolkomir 41). Nurses are encouraged to create this situation. Practical Nursing Programs teach trainees to “create a home-like situation [and] use a gentle touch, quiet voice, and flexible approach to care-giving services (“Best Practice Interventions”). Patients should be kept in control, to combat feelings of helplessness. Modern techniques encourage patients and doctors to decide on methods of therapy together (“Principles of Therapy,” par. 3). This important decision making process lends a greater sense of control to patients. A significant change in the medical field is an increased focus on family. Previously, hospitals would not allow children to visit patients (Livesay, personal interview). Today, however, children are allowed to visit patients during visiting hours. Visiting hours are also being increased in most hospitals. Nurses are taught that family awareness is crucial. “Principles of Therapy states, “If [family members] perspective on pain is sought and their participation in therapy is respected, they will be powerful allies” (par. 5). In addition, as nurses show Good 4 compassion and understanding toward family members, they are able to gain the trust of not only the family, but also the patient. A new tactic being employed in the practice of nursing is an active team approach. In the 1880’s, a single nurse was expected to care for 50 patients (“The Lot of a Nurse…”). Nurses are instructed to "discuss various modes of therapy encountered by patients" (Guidelines for Rehabilitative Nursing 3). Nurses in modern hospitals promote a team unit, striving together to overcome illness. “The patient and family as the core of this team, will require the assistance of physicians, nurses, and other professionals” (“Principles of Therapy,” par. 7). Guidelines for Rehabilitative Nursing instructs that caregivers should "identify measures to facilitate cooperation between the nursing staff and the rehabilitation team" (Guidelines for Rehabilitative Nursing 3). A team approach adds to the patient’s sense of control. Team efforts are a collaboration. All members of the team work together to achieve the common goal of healing the patient. Nurses are instructed to be perceptive of the feeling of patients. “Guidelines for Rehabilitative Nursing” states that the student will “observe relationships/interactions among patient, family and staff members and discuss the effect of these relationships on the patient’s rehabilitation” (“Guidelines for Rehabilitative Nursing” 3). The nurse's interpretation of these factors may be a valuable tool in the recovery process. Such interpersonal communication helps to connect the patient and the caregiver, as well as help the caregiver to understand certain personal feelings connected to religion or other situations. Nurses are also trained extensively in communication with patients. They are instructed to use broad opening statements and acknowledge a patient’s thoughts, often through silence and not verbal sympathy Good 5 (Communication par. 1). Recognizing effective modes of patient communication can also help nurses identify blocks to communication. The overuse of cliches or advice, for example, can make patients feel like they are unable to communicate openly with their caregivers (par. 2). In addition, these communication techniques are vital when treating pediatric patients. In a pediatric care study, Livesay states that her young patient seems very attached to his mother. She even says that the child liked to be held more due to his seizure activity (Livesay, pe...