Notes on Nursing

Introduction1. The background to Florence Nightingale’s Notes on NursingThe ‘lady of the lamp’The vocation of Florence NightingaleA systematic approach to providing careChanges in the understanding of disease2. Health of housesNotes on nursing – Florence NightingalePreparing the houseThe bedroomThe bathroomMedical equipmentA home first-aid kit3. Petty managementDeveloping a plan of careAn example of a plan of careWorking with physicians, nurses and other health professionalsKeeping recordsResearching the patient’s illness or conditionMedicationsPreventionExercise and fitnessRehabilitationHelping the patient with respirationTravelling with the patient4. FoodNotes on nursing – Florence NightingaleHelping the patient with eating and drinking5. Bed and BeddingNotes on nursing – Florence NightingaleHelping the patient rest and sleepPressure sores6. Cleanliness Notes on nursing – Florence NightingaleHelping the patient keep their body clean and well groomedHelping the patient with eliminationCleanliness and infections7. Chattering hopes and advicesNotes on nursing – Florence NightingaleFundamental needsHelping the patient with selection of clothing, with dressing and undressingHelping the patient communicate with others to express needs and feelingsHelping the patient with work or productive occupationHelping the patient with recreational activities8. Observation of the sickNotes on nursing – Florence NightingaleMovementNutritionMood and behaviourEliminationSkinChest and abdomenHeadGeneralHow to communicate observations to a physician or nurseWhen to call for helpPlanning for a crisisThe patient who has fallen9. Caring for the carerNotes on nursing – Florence NightingaleThe difficulties of caring and giving careThe health of a care giver: how to manage physical strain and stressDepressionEffective communicationRespite careCaring for a patient who is terminally illThe death of a patientGrieving a loss10. Health literacy for caregiversKnowledge of the laws of healthNotes on nursing – Florence NightingaleSpeaking and listening skillsHealth literacy and health outcomesSources of information for the care giverWhere is the information?The types of support services that may be available in your communityAssistive devicesCare giver support groupsLegal advice