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

622 HENRY BAIRD FAVILL
The nurse who has had adequate training
and faithfully
availed herself thereof, is, in the ranks of men, an expert.
In breadth of experience, technical skill, and cultivated
judgment, she stands out from the rank and file of people
as of peculiar value and unusual importance with regard
to matters of the deepest human import. If one were not
so accustomed to it,
he would marvel at the absolute faith
that is pinned upon a mere girl just because she is accredited
such an expert.
The most important consideration which human happiness
holds is entrusted to this girl without question and
without analysis. Yet such analysis would show that this
confidence is based upon a belief, first in her technical
ability, and second in her conscience.
Either being lacking,
the whole structure tumbles; if she is not trained she can
not be trustworthy; if she is not conscientious she won't
be trustworthy, and yet without a thought we place the
issue of life and death unhesitatingly upon her young but
competent shoulders.
Is there not in this picture untold inspiration? Does
it not deprive drudgery of its ache and routine of its irksomeness?
Does it not, above all, make the idea of trifles
an absurdity? Does it not serve to emphasize the proverb,
that, "A chain is as strong as its weakest link"? Does it
not make the weakest link a subject of deep and perhaps
enthusiastic effort?
And yet, it is not with reference to the technical skill
and scientific faithfulness of the nurse that my mind is.
most directed in this connection. I have much more in
mind her opportunity in the development of her relationships.
Who is there that is closer to the hearts of the suffering?
Who is there more fitted to see clearly the threads
which are running through the warp and woof of human
experience, or has more opportunity to put them straight?
It is not true that the lives of all nurses are benedictions.
It is true that every nurse has the opportunity to be a