Training School Methods for Institutional Nurses (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1919. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXIII The Chief Surgical Nurse The chief surgical nurse occupies a position of responsibility second only to the superintendent. On her keenness, her organizing ability, her conscientiousness in details will depend, to a great extent, not only the reputation of the hospital, not only good results in surgery, but the lives of many of its patients. In addition to the qualifications needed for successful head nursing in general, she needs to be thoroughly abreast of the times in regard to her own branch of nursing. Organization.--In undertaking her work, a comprehensive system of procedure, thoroughly understood by pupil nurses, will greatly facilitate the daily routine and save much time. "To every man his work" is a necessary rule, care being taken that each detail of an operation has been anticipated and definitely assigned. In most hospitals with an active surgical service the operating corps consists of the chief nurse and two pupils. The following method of organization has been found thoroughly satisfactory. The head nurse has charge of the operating rooms, anesthetic room, aseptic preparation room, emergency room, sterilizers, central supply rooms, etc. She is responsible for the conditions of the instruments, must keep them catalogued, counted, and be ready to account for them at any time; all surgical material used throughout the hospital is prepared under her direction; she superintends and assists in the preparation for the operation, and acts as second assistant; she is held responsible for the proper labelling of pathologic specimens and must see that they reach the pathologic department in good order. The senior pupil nurse has for her special duties the preparation of all unsterilized materials; she does the work of the "clean nurse" ...