Oakville Reads discussion

The Nightingale is woven through the fabric of The Wonder, as a symbol of the particular brand of care that Lib is charged with overseeing Anna. What did you think of the image of the Nightingale?

Lib tells Byrne that nursing is in its infant stage, as a profession. How does the Nightingale fit with your experiences of modern-day nursing and hospital care? What has changed, and what has stayed the same?

It was particularly interesting reading about Lib's identity as a Nightingale, as my mother is a nurse and we visited the Florence Nightingale Museum when we visited Britain some years ago. Lib's characterization of nursing as a "young profession" felt so jarring to read, considering what a cornerstone of healthcare it is today - that being said, nursing has long been an occupation, but Lib was obviously referring to the professionalization of it in a way that compared with the professionalization of doctors and other medical professionals at the time. Florence Nightingale is known as being one of the anchors of modern nursing, and the importance of facts and evidence, and of patient-centered care, saturates this story of Lib and Anna, nurse and patient - but it may also be why, as the plot progresses, the blurring of lines from medical care into emotional care is so troubling to Lib (and to any reader who has a clinical background and recognizes how easily those lines can be crossed under the right circumstances)! Caring professions can be very high in emotional labour - it seems this is what Nightingale was striving to avoid in her trained nurses, so as to avoid burnout.

Emily wrote: "It was particularly interesting reading about Lib's identity as a Nightingale, as my mother is a nurse and we visited the Florence Nightingale Museum when we visited Britain some years ago. Lib's c..."

What a thoughtful response! I really appreciate your attention to this aspect of the book. It was definitely something I picked up on, but only minimally. Your observation about Lib slipping from medical care to emotional care is very apt. I think this is actually one of the reasons readers find her more sympathetic as the book progresses, because Lib moves from cold and scientific, to warm and caring. But what does this shift mean? And how does it effect Anna's welfare? Can we say that Lib is a better nurse in either state? I sense some may want to argue that when Lib softens, she gathers the courage and desire to help Anna in new ways. However, I would suggest that her desire is supported by her firm medical understanding that Anna is very sick.

I thank Emily, too, for her response. I was quite intrigued to learn more about the Nightingale nurses. Lib was certainly proud of her status. One thing that I recall vividly was her insistence on fresh air. I would think that was somewhat radical. She was also insistent on facts and evidence, as Emily mentioned. Her note-taking was painstaking, as she recorded everything she observed and measured what she could. As for Lib becoming emotionally involved with Anna, this was an extreme case. I think we'd all agree that some emotional involvement is the sign of a good and caring nurse.

The portrayal of Lib's nursing still reflects what happens today. Nurses do most of the work, and doctors direct the work.

Though this may be my most boring contribution yet... I have nothing to add but "I agree with all of you." :)

Terry wrote: "Though this may be my most boring contribution yet... I have nothing to add but "I agree with all of you." :)"

That's fine, Terry. We're so glad you're following our discussion!

Susan wrote: "Terry wrote: "Though this may be my most boring contribution yet... I have nothing to add but "I agree with all of you." :)"

That's fine, Terry. We're so glad you're following our discussion!"

Agreed! :)