Looking for "Duties of a Nurse" from ~1860?

Editorial Team / Admin · Feb 15, 2006

I know many of us have seen it...a list of "nursing duties" required of early nurses. Things that included cleaning out the coal stove and restocking the coal, washing the floors, etc.
Does anyone have a link to a site that would give me that list or one like it? I haven't found it on my own searches yet. I'd like to hand it out in class tonight (working on my BSN); I have a seminar to give on "Nursing Role and Practice Changes" and thought that list might provide some levity and perspective!
Thanks for any help you might be able to give me!

Hello, Zee_RN,

Try these links:

http://www.ufcw141nurses.org/nurse_history.htm

http://www.nurses.info/history_information_general.htm

http://www.medpage.com/7553.html

Hope these help.

Zee_RN, BSN, RN · Feb 15, 2006

Siri, thank you for the reference websites; I have been to some of them and they have an impressive amount of information. Unfortunately, it is **too** impressive for my immediate needs, lol. I have searched through a number of the sites that are further referenced within those sites. I find great articles with in-depth information that would be a tremendous benefit for a research paper.

Unfortunately, I'm just looking for that simple little list of antiquated nursing duties to hand out to my fellow classmates. No big deal if I can't find it; I just thought it would add some levity to our discussion.

Thanks again!

Cute_CNA, CNA · Feb 15, 2006

If you can't find a list, then MAKE one after doing some research.

Zee_RN, BSN, RN · Feb 15, 2006

No such time for that research, unfortunately. The idea just hit me last night to incorporate the list for fun--and class starts in a few hours. The idea is easily omitted; it is not crucial to the seminar. Just thought it would be fun; Lord knows I have enough to do than spend time researching for the sake of levity. Kids still expect to eat tonight, lol.

Cute_CNA, CNA · Feb 15, 2006

I'm sure you could type up a few things that you've found on the internet in an hour or so. I've done stuff like that. It doesn't have to be a paper, just make a list like you said.

Zee_RN, BSN, RN · Feb 15, 2006

Found it! It was 1887...Duties of the Floor Nurse, 1887

The following job description was given to floor nurses by a hospital in 1887:

In addition to caring for your 50 patients, each nurse will follow these regulations:

1. Daily sweep and mop the floors of your ward, dust the patient's furniture and window sills.

2. Maintain an even temperature in your ward by bringing in a scuttle of coal for the day's business.

3. 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.

4. The nurse's notes are important in aiding the physician's work. Make your pens carefully; you may whittle nibs to your individual taste.

5. Each nurse on day duty will report every day at 7 a.m. and leave at 8 p.m. except on the Sabbath on which day you will be off from 12 noon to 2 p.m.

6. Graduate nurses in good standing with the director of nurses will be given an evening off each week for courting purposes or two evenings a week if you go regularly to church.

7. Each nurse should lay aside from each pay day a goodly sum of her earnings for her benefits during her declining years so that she will not become a burden. For example, if you earn $30 a month you should set aside $15.

8. 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 good reason to suspect her worth, intentions and integrity.

9. The nurse who performs her labors and serves her patients and doctors without fault for five years will be given an increase of five cents a day, providing there are no hospital debts outstanding.