when speaking of a favorite nurse, as if it was the only virtue
worth mentioning: "I am perfectly certain that when I am not
present she will _faithfully_ carry out my orders." Entire
faithfulness takes precedence, I think, and deservedly so. Your
accomplishments may be many, but if you have not this faithfulness,
this obedience to the doctor as a rudder to the ship of your
professional character, no matter how great may be the load
of learning and accomplishments and good intentions, your
self-will and vanity will bring you to the rocks where ruin is
inevitable.

Do not fear losing your own individuality and independence. "He
who obeys well, governs well," is a very old, and a very true
saying, and your responsibilities will never cease. The more
faithful you are to orders, the more trust and confidence will be
reposed in you. You will have not only your patient, but the
entire family looking to you for directions, for, upon your
faithfulness, and the tact with which you administer your
authority, will depend much of your success as nurses.

Be careful not to sever your relations with any patient unless
your doctor knows all about it. Never leave your charge, no matter
how urgent the reason may be, unless you tell him. You may be
sick, or the place may be unsuited to you, or you to the place,
and you may know that it is best for you to go. But speak first to
the doctor, tell him candidly why you wish to go, and take counsel
of him how you should act. If he tells you you may go, and you
know that your place must be filled, do not offer as your
substitute your best friend, or anyone else. If he wishes your
counsel he will ask, and then you may tell him of anyone you think