Duties.
14. Their duties should be strictly defined, and be consistent with the Code of Army Hospital Regulations, the revision of which has been announced.
Means of Steadying them.
15. Give them plenty to do, and great responsibility—two effectual means of steadying women.
Lodging.
16. The nurse’s lodging in view of her ward renders her far more efficient; but this requires some special arrangement. It would not do to have the chance of the nurse’s being suddenly taken ill, with only patients and orderlies within immediate reach. Were the nurses’ rooms so arranged that two or more were on one floor (as is the case in all Hospitals), and so arranged as to be entirely separate, and yet, when so desired, easily accessible to each other, which might easily be contrived, this would probably answer all purposes.
Food.
17. Their food should be sent them cooked with some slight variety. With the plainest intentions nature often revolts from the perpetual joint of excellent meat in Hospital air and life. The occasional “potage,” fish, &c., of other systems, are in fact, a refreshing and palatable change. If, however, avoiding names that shock and frighten, some slight change of diet could be contrived, the effect would be good. This is practical and not at all romantic, though it may look the latter.
Opinion of honest Military Authority desirable.
18. Could the honest opinions be had of a few good Military and Surgical Authorities before beginning, it would be good.