Once upon a time, I worked as a nursing assistant on the Oncology unit of a small hospital. As an aide, I had very little contact with physicians, and I had never experienced someone being rude to me because of my position. Although the aide work was much harder (more labor-intensive) than anything I had done as a nursing student, it was definitely rewarding. I felt like my job as an aide was important, and many of my wonderful, sweet patients had confirmed that for me.
One day, however, I began my vitals in a patient in an isolation room. Any fellow health-care professionals know that process of gowning up, putting on gloves, and in this case, a mask as well. I was well into the room and in the middle of checking vital signs when this patient's doctor (I actually believe he was a resident) arrived. The physician entered the room, and after he introduced himself to the patient, I asked politely if he minded I check the patient's blood pressure while they talked. It was the last task I had to accomplish in this patient's room, and I knew that it wouldn't really disturb their conversation. I figured that I'd quickly perform the task and then quietly excuse myself from the room.
When I asked this, the physician turned to me with a look I've never received before. He stated "No. You stand there and watch me do my job. Maybe you can learn something. You people need to learn how to sit back and be quiet and watch me do my job." I wasn't sure if he meant aides, nurses, or women, but I was so in shock by his statement that I froze. I turned around toward the window while he resumed talking to the patient, and waited for him to leave. With all of my gear on, I couldn't wipe away the silent tears I had in my eyes.
I was confused because I had never been spoken to like that before, but I was also mad at myself for letting this man make me so upset. I knew what I was doing, and I hadn't asked that ridiculous of a question, so I really should have just brushed it off. But I didn't, and now I know that if I ever come across someone like that again, I have the confidence to ignore it.
I understand that people like this man are in all professions, not just doctors. I've worked with nurses who have this attitude as well. However, it is easy for some doctors to feel that they are better, or higher up than those in the nursing profession. For those that don't, I seriously applaud you. Nothing will get done if both professions don't respect one another. For those that do, remember that nurses are there for a reason, and you wouldn't be able to do your job without us.
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| This is a drawing I did for my Case Management class... It doesn't really have anything to do with this post, but I guess it represents how many different people and tasks make up health care. We all need to work together! |
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