How much further ahead of we than we were in 1887?

[rncountry]

This was sent to me from another MNM member. I couldn't help but note that while the specifics have changed, the underlying belief of what nurses should be is here, take a look and tell me what you think.

Duties of the Floor Nurse - 1887

In addition to caring for your 50 patients,

each nurse will follow these regulations.

Daily sweep and mop the floors of your ward,

dust the patient's furniture and window sills.

Maintain an even temperature in your ward

by bringing in a scuttle of coal for the day's

business.

Light is important to observe the patient's

condition. Therefore each day fill

kerosene lamps, clean chimneys and

trim wicks. Wash the windows once a week.

The nurse's notes are important in aiding

the physician's work. Make your pens

carefully, you may whittle nibs to your

individual taste.

Each nurse on day duty will report every

day at 7am and leave at 8pm except on

the Sabbath on which day you will be off

from 12 noon to 2pm.

Graduate nurses in good standing with

director of nurses will be given an evening

off each week if you go regularly to church.

Each nurse should lay aside from each pay

day a goodly sum of her earnings for her

benefit during her declining years, so that

she will not become a burden. For example,

if you earn $30 a month you should lay aside

$15.

Any nurse who smokes, uses liquor in any

form, gets her hair done at a beauty shop, or

frequents dance halls will give the director

of nurses a good reason to suspect her

worth, intentions, and integrity.

The nurse who performs her labors, serves

her patients and doctors faithfully, serves

without fault for a period of 5 years will be

given an increase by the hospital

administration of 5 cents a day providing there

are no hospital debts that are outstanding.

[Mijourney]

Oh well, so much for history not repeating itself!

rncountry, the last few sentences in your post have particular relevance with me, because I have had many friends and acquaintances in the hospital setting get broadsided by management in the last five or so years because of the budget. Either they have experienced lengthy pay freezes and/or have gotten laid off.

[Tim-GNP]

The only big difference nowadays is that boys can be nurses and girls can be doctors.... although after taxes, the wage sounds about right.

[Tiara]

We have to be the only profession that historically accepts the status quo and whatever crumbs are thrown our way!

[oramar]

That is why I say the roots of the oppression we now experience go way back. Did you notice that the biggest similarity is the fact that nurses do and have done every donkey job that no one else will do. They figure you been doing it for 150 years why not now.

[3651bht]

Didn't someone say once, "If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen." How about some cheese with your whine......