04.13.08
Weary of this whole thing
The best times I have had as a nurse is when I have been part of a team. By this I mean a real team where there are lots of different people, all responsible for different parts of what goes on, all with an equal role in making sure that the end product is as it should be. When I was practicing as a nurse, then the end product was the patient, when I was working in education then the end product was the member of staff needing education and or training and now in commissioning, well the patient is that end product again.
There are some great sites out there telling us the good, bad and ugly of life in the world of healthcare. It is not about identifying who is more important or better than the other. It is about looking at the whole picture, about identifying our own strengths and weakness and recognising our own dirty laundry not just that of other people. as I have mentioned before, I am weary of the sweeping statement and of the culture of blame. We get enough trouble from the media and written press without doctors writing blogs laying into us too. While we cannot all stand shoulder to shoulder at all times, I suggest that we should at least find out as much as possible about a topic before attacking a whole profession. Dr Crippen may have returned to the blogsphere, but I am not sure he has benefited from his long absence. I will not link to him as I don’t wish to add to his already over inflated stats. Instead you can join the debate over at Mental nurse, where you get a more measured, all round debate.
Ian Furst said,
April 14, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Tough blog Julie — if you don’t go for the “show” (attack blogs) no one will read but if you spice it up you’ll offend. I don’t agree with many of the messages but at least people are talking and looking for answers. I choose a more sedate approach but my stats reflect it. I enjoy you’re blog. Ian.
http://www.waittimes.blogspot.com
Onehealthpro said,
April 15, 2008 at 12:23 am
I appreciate your decision not to promote attacks. Our world is crumbling because too many people believe they are making a point when actually they are destroying reputations with thoughtless comments. We need solutions, not vicious verbal assaults.
Onehealthpro
Trauma Diva said,
April 21, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Although I am a trauma nurse trained in the US, one of the best things I ever did was travel downunder and work for the Australian National Healthcare System. (i.e. the NHS downunder. . .many things the same, but better beaches). Besides the rotating shifts (which I abhorred) and the humbling nuance of being called “Sister” (which I adored) it was a wonderful education to compare both systems.
They both had their strong points and both had their weaknesses. But I agree with you - accountability is the key. Unfortunately in the US, so much of what happens in our system is fueled by the almighty corporate dollar. To stay the course, however, as nurses we must be accountable and indeed avoid the blame game. I wish that nurses could see that the grass is indeed not always greener!