EMILY

Nursing in a nutshell...

What I say when I’m discharging patients

When you walk in a room and immediately trip over IV tubing and SCD cords

Catching up on charting when the shift’s already over.

When my friend tries to get me to work out in the mornings

Doctors and nurses have one of the most interesting relationships in healthcare. Society and media perpetuate a common myth that doctors are intent on “snagging” as many nurses as they can, and nurses perhaps are looking to “snag a rich doctor,” and while its idle entertainment value amuses many, it discredits the authenticity of the relationship, and presents a fractured reality to future doctors and nurses. Nurses are drawn to doctors, but not for the limited viewpoints the external world has come to know. They’re drawn in by a mutual respect and admiration of science, the intersection of philosophy, and how it directly/indirectly relates to the patients they’re collaborating on. Nurses aren’t necessarily impressed by intelligence; for a truly brilliant mind isn’t only found in advanced education - Nurses are more impressed by how they use the intelligence for the welfare of others, without boasting. Nurses are captivated by any doctor who shows their soul in medicine; The kind of doctor who takes the time to listen to their patient’s concerns without leaving a room and dismissing them, a doctor, who despite their insane schedule and demands, will still find the time to sit with a patient and talk them through a frightening diagnosis, or procedure, answering their questions. A doctor who addresses the concerns of nurses, without dismissing their instinct, or suggestions for medications/interventions. A doctor who understands when it’s time to let go of a patient, preserving their right to die with dignity and is present through the families’ traumatic process of grief, not to mention a keen awareness of the toll it’s taken on the nurse. A doctor who empathizes with mistakes, noting with amusement their own imperfections. A doctor who will unequivocally stand up for his/her nurse when a family/administration is disrespectful of the nurse, or their care. A doctor who respects not only the nurses, but the nursing assistant’s unique role in collaborative, and quality patient care. Nurses perhaps fall a little in love with any doctor who shows their heart - but it’s not for the reason you would expect, they are drawn to the person who reveals the humanistic side of medicine and prioritizes compassion, thoughtfulness and a patient’s worth & dignity.

Step 1: Spray half a bottle of the air freshener stocked by the hospital to cover up the terrible smell.