How to Care for the Insane: A Manual for Nurses

"How to Care for the Insane: A Manual for Nurses" by William D. Granger is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The book serves as a detailed guide for nurses and attendants working with the insane, outlining the necessary skills, duties, and empathetic approaches needed for effective patient care within asylums. It emphasizes the importance of proper training and education for staff to provide high standards of care and understanding for individuals with mental health conditions. The opening of the manual provides an introduction to Granger's experience in training asylum attendants, setting the foundation for a systematic approach to patient care that combines theoretical knowledge with practical duties. It highlights the development of a training program at the Buffalo State Asylum, detailing the responsibilities of attendants and the essential first steps in learning about the care of the insane, such as understanding the rules of the asylum and the importance of hygiene. The author underscores the necessity of patience and kindness in dealing with patients, reiterating that even the most challenging cases require compassion, and outlines a curriculum that includes anatomy and physiology to better equip attendants for their roles. This structured beginning establishes a comprehensive framework for the topics covered in the subsequent chapters of the manual.