10 questions I’d love to ask SOME MDs…
1. How much money do you really make?
2. May I have my (insert loaned item such as pen, stethescope, chart) back now?
3. How long will you be sitting at (my) computer and when can I have (my) chair back?
4. Do you believe in hand washing?
5. So, do you REALLY like your job? The nurses? Your patients?
6. If you could change professions, would you?
7. Did you used to have nice handwriting?
8. Honestly, what would you do without nurses?
9. Did you really just do that, say that, write that order, and/or act like that in front of a patient? (Actually, I DO ask this question a lot!)
And last but not least:
10. Are you as tired as you look???
Now I need a list of “Top Ten Reasons I Keep My Mouth Shut!”
Prisca is many things: a blogger, a nurse, a wife, a mom. She started her journey towards a career in nursing when she got pregnant with her first child. After nursing school and studying "like she has never studied before" she entered the nursing profession eager to get her feet wet. The first years provided her with much exposure to sadness, joy and other complex human emotions. She feels that blogging is a wonderful outlet and a way for nurse bloggers to further build their community. Traditionally, midwives have handed down their skill set from midwife to apprentice midwife. She believes nurses have this same opportunity: to pass from nurse to new nurse the rich traditions of this profession. More
“Did you really just do that, say that, write that order, and/or act like that in front of a patient?”
THIS
IS
AWESOME.
By Sean Dent on December 3, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Glad I discovered this site! Nurses need a forum to vent, share, and connect with other nurses outside of the work area, To work through the stressors, problems our field can create,and take its toll on our well being. We wont be able to solve every problem we encounter but may be able to find better ways to deal with the many issues we face. .And to be able to relate and support one another will surely be beneficial emotionally.
By nancy on December 3, 2009 at 8:12 pm
I love it! I have often thought some of these…and said some of them too!
By Rebekah Child on December 8, 2009 at 1:31 pm
One perk about working in a family practice is being able to work VERY closely with the doctors. I have gotten to know them so well that sometimes I do ask them questions like this. It’s always interesting to see what their answers are!
By Shawnee on December 9, 2009 at 7:22 am
Prisca, here in Minnesota, somebody had done a poll among MD’s and a very large number of them would not recommend being a physician to their kids. They cited higher stress loads at work related to malpractice insurance, and increased time having to fight insurance companies for reimbursement for services rendered.
At least at a growing number of hospitals, there is at least computerized charting, which takes away that wonderful game of “What do you think the doctor wrote here?”, as we nurses would battle in vain to decipher poor handwriting. (On that point, I cannot say much, my handwriting is dreadful)
There has to be some kind of pay-off for the years of schooling and the amount of debt that some of these doctors must have. My son is looking at 50 grand in student loan debt just with his B.A in Design with a Japanese minor.
By Steve on December 9, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Sorry for the late comment, but I just discovered this site while doing research for my blog.
I, am an MD, who is not afraid to answer questions. I echo Steve’s comments about the work environment and economic issues not being friendly for docs.
And I am sure that frustration gets passed along to nurses, their staff, and their family.
I have one thing that keeps me straight, my wife of 29 years is a nurse-and she will kick my you know where, if I don’t treat nurses with the respect they are due.
We can all learn from each other, if we treat each other with respect and dignity.
Great Post!
By Dr Dean on January 17, 2010 at 7:33 am