It’s late at night, the pain is transcendent and worse yet, I am tangled up in tubes in a sweat-soaked hospital bed. The collapsed lung, fractured ribs and chest tube have transformed an independent doctor into a needy patient.
She answered my ring right away, coming to my aid quickly and with a warm demeanor, in the middle of the night. She was so kind. I was immensely grateful.
Nurses take care of people. It really is the essence of their profession, and ours for that matter. It took training, and motivation, and perseverance.
Dr Wes recently wrote as his number one reason to be a doctor…
1. Teamwork – Medicine is, by definition, a team sport. No physician can do what we do in isolation. Our “Club Med” has challenging pre-requisites, but once in, it is a vocation where we share collectively in the trials and tribulations of patient care. We win and we lose, together. Whether we are doctors, nurses, technicians, administrators, clerical staff, safety personnel or maintenance workers – each of us are constantly working for a common goal – the health and well-being of our patients – and when it works, nothing, I mean nothing, is as cool as that.
I couldn’t ablate a tachycardia, or implant a life-saving cardiac device without nurses and other dedicated staff. Doctors are often like the quarterback who gets the accolades for the team’s success, but all educated observers know success stems from a coordinated team approach and nurses are an essential part of the “club med.”
Nurses get a whole week of celebration, as they deserve.
Grin.
JMM
rheumablog says
Since Saturday last weekend, when I was bitten by my elderly dog, I've received care from a wonderful group of nurses and doctors — ED, primary care, orthopedics, medical students — at the VA med center where I receive my care. I was bitten badly on my right hand. I have RA and have been taking immunosuppressant meds; it quickly got infected, and I have several more appts to come this week. Since the start of this unexpected barrage of medical care, I've been treated by the absolutely nicest people — each of them have been compassionate, full of smiles and patience, and totally professional. I've always been impressed by the care I've received from the VA, but their hard work, dedication and easy friendliness in spite of such busy schedules has been so very reassuring. Thank you nurses, doctors, and all others involved in the medical care of others; you're the best. 🙂
-Wren
DrJohnM says
Wren,
Sorry about your injury. Hope the healing goes well.
I agree about the VA. I have fond memories of my time at the Indy VA. And my wife is an attending at the Louisville VA. Although, I am biased, I believe her patients get wonderful care.
JMM
Anonymous says
Dr. John,
I am a nurse working in Dallas w/ Dr. Wheelan. Loved this post. Found you off of a FB app–ECG's & Cardiology ft. your latest post on ICD implants.
Very interesting. Will keep reading!
idm