and write as he tells you, _when_ he tells you. If the orders
are at all intricate it is your only way of being absolutely sure
you have everything correct. It is a protection to you also, if
the family are inclined to criticise.

A nice little point for you to remember is always to leave the
doctor _alone_ with the patient for a few moments, if it is
at all possible, at each visit, Wait until he has asked all the
questions he wishes, or until you have told him all that is
necessary to tell before the patient, and then on some errand,
real or imaginary, leave the room. Of course, if the patient is
desperately ill, you cannot do this, nor will it then be
necessary.

It is a good plan to wait for the doctor at the head of the
stairs, or at the foot, if you are likely to be over-heard, and
tell him there all you could not say before the patient as to her
condition, etc. He likewise may have something to say,--some
final instruction to give, some caution he would not wish the
patient to know of. This is also the time to speak about yourself
if you are sick or tired, or unhappy in your position. Perhaps
neither of you have anything to say, and a friendly nod and a
"patient is doing nicely, nurse," will send you back to the sick-
room feeling that your work is appreciated, which always goes a
long way toward making the hard places easy. Your patients may be
very curious as to what you have to say to the doctor, but you can
readily and truly tell them that there are many things you have to
say to him, that would be hard for you to say before them, and
hard for them to hear too, and these are things you arrange
outside.