May I have a side of CNA or RN with that M.D.?

So, since it is Florence’s birthday or close to it, I wanted to praise all first line responders, CNA’s, M.D.’s, hospital staff, and Nurses! Especially in this last year! Never forget. By the way, I just received my 15 year pin. Good grief. Feels like yesterday, I became a Saint. I wouldn’t call myself one, once I left work though. I have had some experiences in the past few months and I wanted to write about it.

First of all, I want to really thank the M.D.’s out there that were a CNA, a phlebotomist, or have RN experience. Also, a thank you to the M.D.’s for thanking us for taking great care of the patients and genuinely meaning it. I think it should be mandatory to be a CNA or a Nurse before you can become an MD. Why is that? Let me tell you something, as nurses, we are your eyes and ears for 12 hours, while you tend to others and write your insane amount of charting so you don’t get sued. Wish we could cut back on the charting for you, so you could be more present with your expertise regarding patient care. That would be ideal. In a working world, you have to earn your respect in order to receive it. That goes for any job.

I don’t know how many times I took care of an ETOH or a pysch patient who were hallucinating, which in turn became combative, and I have to put my physical and mental well being at risk because I couldn’t get the right medications to not only help my safety, but the patient’s safety. I am with them for 12 hours, not 15-20minutes. As a new MD, you have to earn the respect from the nurse. They are your guides, they are your saving grace and we will save your ass when things go south.

I have had multiple M.D.’s say, “Glad I don’t have to be here for 12 hours with this patient.” Wow! Thanks! That is why I am me and you are you. Don’t make comments like that. How about, “Wow, Brooke, you are dealing with a lot here, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help because not only do you have this situation, but you have four more souls to watch over.” Would I be in a dream if I heard that? YES! It would be bittersweet. Do I need this support from a Doctor? No. I know I can handle it, however, when one of the new nurse angels get run over, I will magically become an ongoing, pain in your ass, Nurse Bear Mama until my peer feels safe again.

How many M.D’s would go to school knowing they had to be a CNA or an RN 1st? Not many I presume. That would be a great study to conduct. Let me think on that. So, just know when you become a CNA or a Nurse, you are a hero, and that my friends, is a rarity. Just because you took a different route doesn’t mean anything different on how you should be treated. Watch Nurse Jackie. If you became an M.D. without bedside experience, be the doctor that wants to learn from the Nurse, better yet, just the willing to listen is a great gift. You would be one million steps further than most. I first typed 5000, wasn’t enough. Fact: Just the other day, I had an M.D. discharge 2 of my patient’s without assessing them first. Ummmm…yeah.

To my fellow health care colleagues, you made a sacrifice to your physical and mental well being to help others. Understand you are “flying under the radar,” heroes, even on the days it doesn’t seem like it. Live in the present moment though, don’t get stuck in the past. Respectfully stand your ground for your patient’s when you don’t feel something is right. Don’t back down until you get positive results. Who do you want to be in the fox hole with? Someone that stands up for what is right and true. Be that person. Your fox hole will be full when you need help. Accept others that are doing their best and learning to become great advocates. Show others, if they are lagging behind. Assume good intentions and most important…What don’t we know?

Happy Mental Health Month!! This month includes my birthday. I was born late, I was supposed to be born in April, glad I waited. May fits me better. Fact: The first funeral I attended was my Uncle’s (mom’s side). Suicide by gun. It was an open casket. Glad he was unrecognizable. It didn’t feel like it was his funeral, it felt like the starting of mine at the time.