More Quotes by Florence Nightingale
I use the word nursing for want of a better. It has been limited to signify little more than the administration of medicines and the application of poultices. It ought to signify the proper use of fresh air, light, warmth, cleanliness, quiet, and the proper selection and administration of diet-all at the least expense of vital power to the patient.
Let whoever is in charge keep this simple question in her head (not, how can I always do this right thing myself, but) how can I provide for this right thing to be always done?
I use the word nursing for want of a better.
Were there none who were discontented with what they have, the world would never reach anything better.
People talk about imitating Christ, and imitate Him in the little trifling formal things, such as washing the feet, saying His prayer, and so on; but if anyone attempts the real imitation of Him, there are no bounds to the outcry with which the presumption of that person is condemned.
The very first requirement in a hospital is that it should do the sick no harm.
Apprehension, uncertainty, waiting, expectation, fear of surprise, do a patient more harm than any exertion.
Nursing is one of the Fine Arts: I had almost said, the finest of Fine Arts.
Hospitals are only an intermediate stage of civilization, never intended ... to take in the whole sick population. May we hope that the day will come ... when every poor sick person will have the opportunity of a share in a district sick-nurse at home.
Rather, ten times, die in the surf, heralding the way to a new world, than stand idly on the shore.
