If you can show yourself capable and maintain your own composure of mind, you will be able in nearly every instance to avert a panic, and in many cases prevent disastrous results to your patient. But if you fail at times for want of proper courage, do not give up with a feeling that you are unequal to emergencies, only be the more determined not to show the white feather again. It is a well known fact to military men, that veteran troops who have stood the brunt of the fight in many a battle, become demoralized unexpectedly and retreat, to the utter surprise of their officers. But in their next battle their courage and deeds of prowess again surprise every one. So be it with you. In the sick-room nothing so distresses the helpless sufferer as a want of frankness on the part of the attendant. You may refuse or neglect to answer, or turn the subject if possible, but never tell what are called “white lies.” One lie always requires another to cover it, and sooner or later you will be caught. If it is not best to tell, say outright it is better for me not to answer that question; or it may be the least of two evils to answer it faithfully as patients often imagine that things are far worse than they are. I believe that we of the medical profession often err in withholding from patients that which it is best in the end that they should know. This is one of our most difficult lines to draw. If you have not learned or are not determined to learn to endure the caprices and demands of unreasonable men and women in the most unreasonable hour of their lives, you have mistaken your calling; as without Christian patience, I do not believe it possible for a nurse to succeed for any length of time. The trials and vexations of a nurse’s life are so numerous and so constant, that it is a wonder to me that there are so many who are ready to enter this calling in life. There is no need since the revival of professional nursing for women to torture themselves or do penance. Be as ready to minister to disagreeable people as a person who two years ago wrote that she would take a fresh air child, saying “send me one of the dirtiest, most unattractive and unruly of the children, one whom nobody else wants.” An unreasonable, selfish and wilful patient is a purgatorial discipline for both nurse and doctor. Remember that the most gentle and considerate of people will say and do things when sick unwittingly, that in health they would sooner cut out their tongues or destroy a limb than say or do. The mind is sick as well as the body, and the patient not responsible. Cultivate forbearance and endeavor to sear all your tender points. Be ever ready to excuse and believe that no slight was intended, unless it is reiterated and you are forced to believe it.