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DUKE HOSPITAL AT NIGHT MAINTAINS A VIGIL FOR THE HEALTH OF ITS
PATIENTS
RN SUSAN BOYD, CUSHING WARD
'The Night People'
Because need knows no hours, activity at Duke Hospital after 5 p.m. and before 6 a.m. doesn't depend
on a clock.
The late-night accident victim or the patient on the ward cannot plan the times when the hold on life
and health is the weakest. His needs are many and his resources are few, his ability to fend for himself
impaired.
Throughout the night there are people who are answering the call. They are the "night people" and
include physicians, nurses, dietary personnel, environmental service workers, pharmacists, technicians and
medical records clerks to name but a few.
Their number is large and they work in the evenings for different reasons. Some work the late shifts
because they have been asked to do so by their departments, some alternate with day workers on a regular
basis and some work at night because they prefer to be active when things are quieter. Many jobs, such as
tidying hall, clinic and office areas cari only be done in the evening when the "day people" are relaxing at
home or sleeping.
Whatever their reason, our hospital and our patients are thankful for their efforts. This week
INTERCOM is saluting them.
(Photos by David Williamson)
CORPORAL ALVIN NICHOLS, PUBLIC
SAFETY