884. _Cleanliness._--This is a cardinal virtue; and no woman can be a good nurse who is careless in her own apparel, and slatternly in her habits. In the preparation of food for the sick, the most scrupulous neatness should be observed. 885. _Industry, Economy, and Good Housewifery._--All three of these qualifications are essential, and usually associated in the same person; but, the _exercise_ of qualities is necessary to their improvement--and a nurse who has proved herself competent, is most worthy of being trusted. 886. _Prudence and Piety._--The principles of true discretion, or prudence of character, are based on the Christian religion, as are all the moral virtues. The nurse must be religious, or she will rarely be discreet; and the opportunities constantly afforded her of influencing the mind and heart of her patient, render her station one of great trust and responsibility. A _good nurse_ is a woman that deserves honor as well as reward. 887. _Rules for the Nurse._--1. Keep the patient's room quiet, well-aired, and clean as possible. 2. Never excite disagreeable mental emotions in the sick, by telling sad stories and melancholy news; nor allow the presence of unpleasant persons or objects. 3. Never whisper, nor seem to be telling what the sick are not permitted to hear. 4. Administer to the necessities of the invalid, promptly and kindly; but do not worry him with questions and constant attentions, when these are not needed. 5. Never disturb the quiet sleep of the patient, even to give medicine, unless peremptorily charged to do so by the physician. A refreshing sleep is often better than medicine, for the sick; but do not sleep yourself, and allow the suffering one to lie awake, and needing your care. 888. _Administering Medicine._--There are certain rules, if observed in giving medicine, that will render the duty less disagreeable to the nurse, by making it more tolerable to the patient. 1st. Select the most agreeable and suitable ingredient in which it is to be exhibited. 2d. Take as small a quantity of this as can possibly be made to answer the purpose of mixing. 3d. If it be disagreeable to the taste, prepare the mouth for its reception by holding in, and rinsing it with some acid, as strong vinegar, lemon juice, or something of the kind. 4th. Never mix the medicine within sight or hearing of the patient. 5th. Let it be prepared without her knowledge; and insist upon its being taken immediately upon being presented, for the longer her mind is permitted to dwell upon it, the more abhorrent it will become. 6th. Endeavor to destroy the taste and smell as much as possible, by any appropriate means, when it has not been done by the apothecary or physician. 7th. Let the mouth be well rinsed with the acid after taking it, and let a swallow or two of lemonade, or some other admissible drink, be taken.