Man has three duties-duty to God, duty to parents, and duty to mankind. A nurse is such a person who dedicates her whole life to the service of the people who are injured and wounded. The field she renders her dedicated service is called nursing. Thus, her duty is not easy. She has to be very careful and alert. She is a symbol of service and humility. She has to undertake the service with a smiling face. The job of a nurse is very noble. It enables a person to serve the suffering humanity. The tradition of nursing started in the past time by the ever remembered Florence Nightingale. A nurse is always in a spotless white uniform. The white color stands for purity and service. She is required to do the duty for eight hours daily. The times of working are not fixed. She is to work in different shifts. She is very punctual in her work. As she reaches the hospital she takes charge of her ward from the other nurse and soon she is busy with her work. She is called ‘Sister’ generally. Nurses work in hospitals and dispensaries. She helps the doctor in many ways. She keeps the ward neat and clean. She gives medicine to indoor patients. She takes their temperature. She goes from one bed to another enquiring about the health of the sick. She keeps night vigil. She never loses her temper. She shares the sorrows and sufferings of the patients.
The importance of a nurse beggars’ description. Hospitals and clinics cannot go even a single day without a nurse. While taking her first round of the ward she greets all the patients with a smile. She notes down the temperature of every patient on the chart. She gives the medicines and injections provided by the doctor. Her words of sympathy, love, and hope are a big relief to the patients. She is supposed to be with the doctor when he is on round of the ward to tell about the condition of each patient. She notes down the medicine and other precautionary measures as prescribed by the doctor. She is to follow the doctor’s instructions very carefully. She sees that the food served to the patient is according to the doctor’s advice as she is also responsible for the patient’s diet. She never allows any change without consulting the doctor. If the condition of any patient demands immediate action, she at once informs the doctor. She is to prepare a chart of medicines and other things consumed during her duty hours. If there is some time she relaxes by taking a cup of tea or by reading a magazine. She gives charge to another nurse at the end of her duty. The life of a nurse is very busy. At home also she has to work hard and long. She does not get rest or leisure. She is lowly paid.
