The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-08-15
THE NEWS MAIL BAG.
The Ministry to the Sick.

To THE EDITOR OF THE NEWS;
SIR-The appeal recently made through h
the press for greater interest in the care OF
the sick Of our city who, neglected,
would suffer and die, has SO far been re-
sponded to that some money has been re-
ceIved and five homes W hich before were in
wretched condition, without any OF the
comforts and conveniences required for
the sick, are now well provided with such,
and those who are sick, are in the way to
recovery. / am sure that " the blessing
of those who were ready to perish" has
come upon those, who, wishing to be
laborers together with Christ" and
follow His example, have wrought this
desired change.
Some Of your readers have signified their
willingness to act as nurses or visitors to
the sick; but not having had experience,
fear they would not succeed, even il they
tried. Will you continue your
valuable aid by giving space
In your paper to give such
the information they may require?
wish first to say, in connection with what
is to follow, that in our poorest homes
love and devotion exist, and no labor Is
too hard II adding comfort to their sick
ones, especially the dear children.
The nurse is not expected to do the
hard, repulsive work sometimes neces-
sary. This will be cheerfully done by
those whom have mentioned who only
need a guiding mind. 1t need not be
said that pure air is a necessary aid
to the nurse, so that one OF the
early duties, Is to see that, so far as possi-
BILE, this is provided. The room occupied
by the patient may need cleansing. II so,
have the person, il able, removed to an
other, and the bedstead and bedding taken
outside and thoroughly aired and cleansed.
Let feather beds be replaced by mat
tresses, and allow no feathers to
be used about the patient, except those in
the pillows. In the work Of cleansing 1t,
may be necessary to take up and remove
dirty carpets and soiIed wall paper, and
wash the floors with not water and soda,
and have withdrawing done, before the
patient can be returned to his room.
The work should be done as quietly as
possible, so that the patient shall not bo
greatly disturbed; the nurse sitting by
his side ready to answer his call.
1t may be that he would like to
hear the reading OF the news or portion
of an interesting book, which may help
to divert his mind from what is going on
about him. He should not be returned
to his former room, in which no un-
necessary articles of furniture should
be replaced, until the same is
thoroughly dried and aired. Do not try
to compel the patient to take food, or al
low that which is untasted to remain by
his side, and carefully keep covered any
utensiI In use, especially those containing
water.
Sleep is so necessary for his recovery
that he should not be awakened from IL,
sven for the giving OF food or medicine.
In giving medicine, have vessel
which can be used lying down. DO
not bathe his head too much with very
,old water, that which is warm Is better;
nor allow him TO bo disturbed by inquisi-
i've visitors or noisy children.
II may be expected that doctor will
,all and give directions in regard to food
Ind medicine. III none comes, send
or one OF the many in the profession.
specially the city physician, who
will willingly respond TO the call. A visit
nay also be expected from one OF the
,rdcrs OF "Sisters OF Charity" whose |
yery presence gives healing and inspirs.
ion.
Those who are unable TO render personal |
ervice can assist by furnishing money,
ood and clothing, greatly needed by all |
haritable societies. Such contributions
nay be sent to Mrs. III. N. Campbell, IS |
Jook street, treasurer OF the Providence
association for Ministry to the Sick.
FRANCIS GALLAGHER,
277 Weybosset street.
PROVIDENCE. II. l.. Aug. 10, 1884,