Nursing euologies ignored ethos of control and punishment

doi:10.1136/bmj.311.7009.873a

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Charles Essex

Community paediatrician Birmingham B16 0LR

EDITOR,--Several recent articles indicate how nurses view themselves.1 2 3 Discussion with medical colleagues has shown that none of them recognise the nursing described. The articles repeat cliches and myths for which there is no evidence.

Firstly, nurses have never been handmaidens to doctors. Many employees in all walks of life carry out instructions given by other employees. That does not make any of the former handmaidens to the latter.

Secondly, power often does not lie with doctors. Many routines and policies in wards, labour suites, theatres, and clinics are instigated and maintained by …