The physical and mental strain which you are at times called to bear will be very great; that you may be able to endure it, you must give special care to your health. You have been taught the laws of health, and yours is so arduous a calling you must observe them strictly. Dame Nature is a stern mistress, and if you disobey her you will surely suffer for it. When you are out of employment you will need recreation and diversion to keep both body and mind in the best condition. When you are in charge of a patient, the time away from the bedside is not yours to do with as you please, but for rest and fresh air; as you owe it to your patient to give the best possible service, and thus only can you do it. You must cultivate the habit of observing the least change in your patient’s condition, so as to be ready to meet any emergency; it will not do to sit down and watch your patient as a cat would a mouse. Yet in severe cases your eye should hardly ever be off your patient; this should be accomplished and can be done in such a way as to be almost imperceptible to the sufferer. Every little change should be noted, and if any importance may attach to it, it should be written down as soon as you can conveniently do so. You are the physician’s eyes, ears, and hands while he is absent; you cannot therefore be too watchful. Each one of us has certain vulnerable points of character, but it is not always easy for us to see them. If we would be self-possessed we must seek to discover these weak points in our armor by seeing ourselves as others see us; then by learning how to cover them, and not be disconcerted when our weak point is attacked. No _one_ virtue is of more value in your arduous calling than this one of self-possession. In this world of care and trouble much can be done to ameliorate suffering and soften the sting of pain by tender, sympathetic care; your patients will expect less of you if all you do is done with ease and quietness and thoughtful tenderness. You will then be likely to gain a friend in every patient; the patient will feel that a friend has gone when you depart. A cheerful character rides smoothly over many rough places in this world that otherwise would jolt terribly. A bright, cheery nurse is better than many a dose of medicine for the patient; therefore be always cheerful. By cheerful I do not mean frivolous, as levity is the last thing that should appear in a room where such mighty elements are at work as in the sick-chamber. Therefore be cheery, but not mirthful or giddy.