One major challenge was the lack of proper medical supplies. They had to make do with very little, like using rags as bandages.
One major challenge was the lack of proper medical supplies. They had to make do with what little they had. Another was the constant danger from the ongoing fighting. They could be caught in crossfire while trying to help the wounded.
The nurses also faced great danger. Working near the front lines, they were at risk of being bombed or caught in cross - fire. Despite this, they continued their duties.
One common challenge was economic hardship. With their husbands away at war, they had to find ways to support themselves and their families. Another was the constant fear for their husbands' safety. They had to endure long periods without news from the front lines.
Time management is a big challenge. For example, they have to be on duty at the hospital for long hours, but they also need to be home to take care of their families. So they constantly feel torn between the two.
One main challenge was secrecy. They had to blend in without arousing suspicion. For instance, a spy in Confederate territory who supported the Union had to act like they were on the Confederate side all the time.
One challenge is discrimination. They may face bias from patients or colleagues, which can make their work environment difficult. Another is unequal access to resources and opportunities for career advancement. For example, they might not be given the same training or promotion opportunities as their counterparts.
Civil war nurses like Clara Barton contributed by being on the front lines. They quickly treated the wounded soldiers, which increased the chances of the soldiers surviving and being able to fight again. Their stories of courage inspired more women to get involved in nursing.
Dorothea Dix was another remarkable Civil War nurse. She organized a large number of women to serve as nurses. She was strict in her standards for the nurses she recruited, ensuring they were dedicated and capable. She played a huge role in improving the medical care during the Civil War.
In many novels, nurses during the civil war are often portrayed as selfless and heroic. They are shown to be dealing with the horrors of war, tending to the wounded soldiers with great care. For example, in some works, they are depicted as working long hours in makeshift hospitals, facing shortages of supplies but still remaining dedicated to saving lives.
One challenge was the difficult terrain. The coastal areas and rivers had many hidden dangers. Mines were also a big problem for Navy ships.