enced the spiritual rebellion of one seeking to sort out an individual set of values. As the fog has lifted, my work as evening charge nurse in both the normal and premature nurseries has become more electrifying.

One development in our profes- sion which has become all too clear to me is the lack of spiritual support, which seems to have become labeled “old-fashioned.”

Having graduated only (a seem- ingly long) four years ago, I can well remember a young extern’s first sum- mer rotation through our nursery’s doors. There was a genuine desire to learn every procedure and an equally burning desire to give support to the family of any child with an anomaly. The continuous flow of adrenalin in this young student in white seemed to come from what is called “con- tentment with life,” the basis of which is a strong faith in one greater than oneself.

Four years later, now, the young extern is a bona fide assistant resident with innumerable experiences to vouch for this accomplished goal. But something seems to have become lost along the way. During an emer- gency umbilical catheterization on a baby with a one-minute Apgar score of 4, the hands tremble. Confidence is no more, four years later. Yes, this young extern also had experienced the spiritual rebellion amid his inten- sified schedule. The end result of this phase of his life brought with it the belief, perhaps, in a supreme be- ing-no more.

The point I wish to raise is not to question the young doctor’s right to a spiritual choice. The question is, does our profession, regardless of the specialized area, stand a chance in the eyes of the person we are nursing back to health unless we revive the old-fashioned idea of the Great Phy- sician? What words can comfort the boyfriend of a girl lost during a de- livery, due to a n allergic reaction of

the anesthesia, unless they be the words of Faith? Can the medical profession survive without the power and influence of God?

Jo ANN BINKLEY, RN Metro General Hospital Nashville, Tennessee

Intrapartal Fetal Distress

T o the Editor:

T h e Journal of Obstetrics, Gyne- cologic and Neonatal Nursing is a unique and innovative Journal among nursing journals. Congratulations! I have read with intense interest both issues to date and have gained much factual information and excellent ma- terial for review, personally and pro- fessionally.

The article “Recognition and Treatment of Intrapartal Fetal Dis- tress” is a timely and exce!lent article that all nurses involved in maternity nursing should read. I would like to point out, in the section on nursing implications, an area that was sadly overlooked. It is not only important, but ever so vital that the nurse be concerned with the proper function- ing of monitors and the interpreta- tions of recording, but what of the psychological needs of the mother who is being monitored? Mention of physical comforts, instructing the patient regarding the necessity and functioning of the monitor to ob- tain patient cooperation and accept- ance is a salutary motive, but that is merely scratching the surface of the basic need of total care. Too often nurses are all engrossed in the machines and forget the patient, with her concerns, anxieties and discom- forts. How often are we guilty of watching the monitor and never talking, touching or listening to the one being monitored? Let’s not let the advances in technology over-

shadow the compassion, comfort and concern that maternity nurses should be recognized for first and foremost among professionals. Anyone can be a technician, but it takes knowledge, understanding and expert nursing to be truly a professional nurse.

SISTER JEANNE MEURER Nurse-Midwife and Assistant Professor of Nursing St. Louis University School of Nursing

Protests Ad

Gentle people:

I’m not sure with whom to register my dismay and annoyance, but per- haps you will pass my comments along to the right department.

Page 45 of JOGN, Vol. 1, NO. 2 , July/August 1972, showed a pic- ture of new parents admiring their baby through glass while the nurse held the child. In this day of em- phasizing (hopefully) family-centered maternity care more, not less, this pic- ture is an abomination and insult. I have no quibble with the company or product-only a monumental ob- jection to perpetuating the old way of doing some things, and separating a new family unit is barbaric, inhu- man and old-fashioned, to say the least.

I realize you tnust have advertising for support of the excellent Journal but please screen your format more carefully. I am a childbirth educator who doesn’t believe in the situation in that advertisement but in families being together.

Otherwise, I am enjoying the Jour- nal and find it very helpful, stimulat- ing and educational.

Thank you.

HARRIET PALMER, RN, BS, CNM

80 Jan/Feb 1973 JOGN Nursing