Henry Baird Favill, AB, MD, LL.D., 1860-1916, a ... - University Library

MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH 36;
Date and occasion of writing unknown.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE VISITING NURSE
THE
large,
work of the visiting nurses is a serious business.
Started originally as a measure of tenderness and
sympathy, it grows as a rule into an institution,
complex, and markedly inter-related to public questions
which increase its importance and responsibilities enormously.
In its inception it satisfies a sentiment of philanthropy
quite justifiable. In the course of its growth it
tends to create conditions which can only be adequately
met by wise and comprehensive organization.
In the course of every such development there come
periods at which the thoughtful inevitably pause to take
their bearings. Valuable service brings recognition and
recognition brings greater opportunity, and that in turn a
demand for extension.
There comes a time in this process when the structure
is out of proportion to the foundation, and at this point
the only method of dealing is that which applies to all
serious business. The time arrives in any community engaged
in this business to take stock, to review the value of
present activities, facilities at hand, desirable projects and
possible development of organization. No work of this
importance is justified in proceeding without this orderly
reconsideration of the whole matter.
Primarily, is the work involved worth doing? There
can be no question about it. This is not a work designed
only for the poor.
It is designed to meet this fundamental,
not well recognized fact; the line between independence
and dependence is drawn definitely and sharply at the point
of physical vigor. Most people in the world are poor at
the point of sickness.
The sentimental value to the community of being able
to extend succor at this juncture is immeasurable. These