By: Nancy Whitaker
Whether you’re a new nurse or a been around for a while, it’s always intriguing to take a look back at the history of the nursing profession.
I daily thank God for the dedicated people who become nurses. They had some of the hardest jobs when the pandemic hit us in 2020. As for me, I get ill at the sight of blood or any bodily fluids.
Nurses are usually in high demand and those who commit to the field will usually have a steady job.
There are nurses who work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, military bases, nursing homes and health departments. Nurses can usually dispense medicine, give shots, check blood pressures, look down your throat and listen to your heart. Nurses can and do wear many different hats. I remember when nurses had to wear a white uniform, white shoes and always a nursing cap.
This seems important because you could always identify a nurse by the white uniform and the white cap they wore. Times have changed in many ways for those who decide to and do become nurses.
In 1887, nurses had a definite job description and had to follow the rules. Over 100 years ago, nurses had to mop and clean floors, bring in coal, keep the lamps lit, scrub clothes and take notes from the doctor. The hours of a nurse were from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. each day except The Sabbath. On Sundays, a nurse could get off from noon until 2 p.m.
Another rule was that if a nurse was in good standing with the Director of Nursing, they could have a night off for “courting.” In other words, they were to be dedicated mostly to their occupation instead of being “frivilous”
Then if a nurse ever went into a liquor establishment, got her hair done or smoked, she had to tell and explain why to her superior and prove her worthiness.
A nurse in 1887 also was to save and put back a portion of her earnings. If she made $30 a month, she was to save $15. The reasoning was that in her declining years, she would not be a burden on anyone. Also, if a nurse worked for five years and was in good standing, they would be eligible for a nickel per day raise. Just think of how much money that meant back in 1887.
The first known nurse was mentioned in Romans 16:1. During the early years of the Christianity, St. Paul sent a deaconess, Phoebe, to Rome as the first visiting nurse. She took care of both women and men. Now I have never looked up this scripture and so I cannot verify the accuracy. However, I am sure,be as it may, there was medicines and caregiving in those days.
I have always been afraid of doctors,nurses, dentists and hospitals, but I hold the greatest respect for them and the work they do. Today when we go to a doctor or a hospital, it is likely the first person you see will be a nurse. Their friendliness and demeanor could really make a difference in any type of medical appointment.
Yes, nursing has changed, but they are a special group of people that regardless of the rules, they still provide care.
No, I would never make a good nurse. Like I said, I would pass out at the first sight of a bedpan.
Have you ever thought what nurses actually do and the care they provide? How do you think nurses ever followed the rules back in the early days? Let me know and I’ll give you a Penny for Your Thoughts.
