The tiny patients on this experimental unit are mostly premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome, many with hyaline membrane disease. Their respiration is assisted until they can gradually breathe on their own-if they survive circulatory changes, sepsis, respiratory acidosis and alkalosis, and the special burdens of immature organs pressed to function too soon. The job description for the nurse on this unit might read: Needed-loving hands and voice, senses attuned to illusory shifts in breathing and color, an intellect that relates these shifts to blood gases and heartbeat, and emotions that fiercely oppose death, yet will not torture conscience if it oc-