e should be between 30 and 50 years of age,
sufficiently old to have had a little experience, and yet not too old or
infirm to be able to perform various duties requiring strength and
bodily vigour. She should be able to wake the moment she is called,--at
any hour of the night, that the mother or child may have their wants
immediately attended to. Good temper, united to a kind and gentle
disposition, is indispensable; and, although the nurse will frequently
have much to endure from the whims and caprices of the invalid, she
should make allowances for these, and command her temper, at the same
time exerting her authority when it is necessary.

2432. What the nurse has to do in the way of cleaning and dusting her
lady's room, depends entirely on the establishment that is kept. Where
there are plenty of servants, the nurse, of course, has nothing whatever
to do but attend on her patient, and ring the bell for anything she may
require. Where the number of domestics is limited, she should not mind
keeping her room in order; that is to say, sweeping and dusting it every
morning. If fires be necessary, the housemaid should always clean the
grate, and do all that is wanted in that way, as this, being rather
dirty work, would soil the nurse's dress, and unfit her to approach the
bed, or take the infant without soiling its clothes. In small
establishments, too, the nurse should herself fetch things she may
require, and not ring every time she wants anything; and she must, of
course, not leave her invalid unless she sees everything is comfortable;
and then only for a few minutes. When down stairs, and in company with
the other servants, the nurse should not repeat what she may have heard
in her lady's room, as much mischief may be done by a gossiping nurse.
As in most houses the monthly nurse is usually sent for a few days
before her services may be required, she should see that all is in
readiness; that there be no bustle and hurry at the time the confinement
takes place. She should keep two pairs of sheets thoroughly aired, as
well as night-dresses, flannels, &c. &c. All the things which will be
required to dress the baby the first time should be laid in the basket
in readiness, in the order in which they are to be put on; as well as
scissors, thread, a few pieces of soft linen rag, and two or three
flannel squares. If a berceaunette is to be used immediately, the nurse
should ascertain that the mattresses, pillow, &c. are all we