Differences
Our words reveal our attitudes. Take this exchange I had with an RN while walking into work:
Me: "Healthcare is a great profession. We get to help people, and that's different from many other lines of work."
RN: "I agree, I love that about my job. The only thing I don't like is the doctors. If only the doctors would get out of my way, I could get my job done."
What an astonishing point of view. If only the doctors would get out of my way. This isn't the first time I've heard this sentiment. Many times good nurses have complained to me that doctors don't conform, doctors are difficult, or doctors don't do what they're told. If only… Is this just bellyaching?
This point of view seems so bizarre that I almost don't know what to think. It's completely different from the laboratory view, which is generally Tell me what you need, and I'll get it for you. There is grumbling along the way about confusing orders or stubborn demands, but never an attitude of Get out of my way. At least, not in my experience.
There is, I suppose, a camaraderie in complaining. Behind the words may be a candid assumption that misery loves company – that quirky doctors can drive us all nuts – and if so that's probably a good thing. I've certainly had my share of frustration.
And consider that nursing can be dangerous, physically exhausting, and emotionally draining. They are "it" between doctor visits, offering the vital hands-on care that patients need. Very likely, they are often frustrated with the same things the laboratory encounters, only in their face. We don't have doctors sitting around in the laboratory writing in charts, but if we did we might think differently of them. Familiarity breeds exasperation, perhaps. I don't know.
But I can't help wondering what some nurses think of the laboratory profession if they wish doctors would get out of their way. Our words reveal our differences, too.