Etiquette when Nursing Privately
Etiquette when Nursing Privately.—Regarding the etiquette when nursing privately, there are no definite rules to be observed. It is a mark of respect for the nurse to rise when the physician enters the room, and to remain standing unless asked to be seated; she should hand him her report, answer all questions, then quietly leave the room. This is a good plan in both private practice and for hospital private patients, for in many cases the physician is the family friend, and there may be many things about which the patient would like to speak with the doctor, and not care to have the nurse hear. If the nurse observes this course from the beginning, it will save her the probable embarrassment of being asked to leave the room. Then, again, she will have an opportunity of speaking to the doctor of anything relating to the case of which the patient should not know.
She should also leave the room when a visitor comes, so that patient and friend can enjoy their talk alone; if the visit is limited, the visitor should be told when the time has expired.
A nurse should not whisper in the sick-room; it makes the patient think she is being talked about. It should be remembered that the hearing of a patient who is apparently insensible, unable to move or speak, is often very acute, the lowest whisper being often quite audible. The nature of the illness therefore should not be discussed nor any but the kindest things said before a patient.
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[…] this morning, I was entering the “Etiquette when Nursing Privately” section of chapter one on Practical Points in Nursing. And, I have to wonder, where have our […]