As a member of the "aging baby boomer" generation, I have often wondered where has the "art of nursing gone"? There is little doubt that medical science is an integral part of nursing. However, it is often difficult to see if the "art of nursing" is practiced. In fact, I find myself asking if this unique art has been lost. Is it being taught to nursing students in the 21st century, or is it simply a lost art? What is the art of nursing, you may ask? Simply put, in many ways, the art of nursing has to do with the logical and common sense approach to nursing.
In other words, doing the little things that brings relief to a patient without having to get a doctor's order. For instance, back in the day, when I was in nurses' training, we gave patients back rubs at night before they went to sleep, or fluffed up their pillow and turned it over to help them get settled down for the night; even sometimes washing the pt's feet (if time allowed). You know, the little things that provided comfort, and often appreciated by a patient. I know you are probably thinking "wash feet, back rubs, who has time to do those extra things?" By the time you finish doing meds and treatments there is no time for the little things. Believe me, I can relate! But again I pose the question, has the "art of nursing" been lost?
