"I never saw a nurse do all that!"

Young lady in my office end of day with acute onset of new sx, worriesome family hx, requiring a procedure; we hoped to schedule versus going via ER (appointment being better than waiting for hours) but would send through ER if had to as provider felt strongly needed to be done that day or next.

Procedure was one that typically has to be precerted before they'll even think about looking at her, and had to have scheduling lady at the other facility simultaneously sweet talk technicians into sticking around as well on an already-overbooked day. No doubt appearing much the whirling dervish, I was juggling a couple of different phone lines, filling out order form, cajoling insurance lady and explaining to patient as we go. It all worked out, packed pt off with her order and instructions. As she was walking out the door, she looked at my badge and in genuine amazement said, "I never saw a nurse do all that!"

I post this in part to respond to the "Is office nursing really nursing" thread. Was fortunate to be able to unintentionally educate a young person that there are countless facets to nursing. She commented that a family member had recently graduated from nursing school, and I believe her view until that moment was that it's all catheters and IV's and pushing pills (not that there's anything wrong with that! )

It was a good day .