Nursing in the Homes of the Poor: A Study of the Social Service Implications in the Apostolate of the Dominican Sisters of the Sick Poor, Archdiocese of New York, 1876–1960

Background of the Study. Throughout the ages the object of the medical profession has been to comfort and console the afflicted as well as to cure diseases. Nursing, as an integral part of medicine, has been one of the main channels for applying the knowledge of this healing science. At a cursory glance it might seem that injury, either physical or mental, is the main concern of nursing. On closer examination we recognize that treatments are administered with the entire person in mind. As of late, nursing has corresponded to specialization in medicine for more effective service but the real emphasis in nursing practice has remained the person in distress. Even though the history of medicine can be traced to the pre-Christian era it was not until the coming of Christ that the personal concern for one\u27s neighbor as seen in the medical profession, had a redemptive quality. In speaking of the last judgment Our Lord described the eternal reward for those who served Him in their fellow men while on earth. ...Take possession of the kingdom which has been prepared for you since the foundation of the world...For I was sick and you cared for me... Believe me when you did it to one of the least of my brethren here, you did it to me