Americans have been affected in some way since 9/11. Some fear flying, others are more aware of bioterrorism, hoarding antibiotics etc.

Nurses have usually been 'Good Samaritans' readily jumping into unusual situations to help others. Have we been affected by 9/11? Are we as eager to help strangers? More eager as we have a renewed sense of community? Or are we more cautious to become involved, esp if we are traveling with loved ones? This is directed at all US nurses.

[some international friends have described NYC as having a 'friendlier' feeling to it]

What do you think?

Thank you,

mrc

I voted "no" because I have always been a people person...helping others without an agenda, tending to others needs because I want to and not because I have to or should...

Since the 9/11 tragedy, I am more focused on living life to the fullest for myself. It's more important to me to focus on the glass half full instead of seeing it half empty. That's a positive in my life now where as before much of my life was "woe is me". Thank God for small miracles out of big tragedies. :)

I always have stopped to help, and always will.

The one thing I noticed and was talking to my friends about last week was how everyone seems to be more selfish than ever before. Out to make sure that they get what they want and need and to heck with anyone else. I don't usually see the bad side in people (has always been my number one weakness), maybe I do know since 9-11. Perhaps down here in Florida, we feel like sitting ducks. It's more difficult to trust people you don't know. Before 9-11, we always helped stranded motorists, now I tell hubby to keep going b/c I don't want anything bad to happen to me and mine and have heard of terrible stories of people pretending to be broke down so they can take advantage of the people who stop and help, or worse to murder them. I was more trusting before, but no longer. I'll still help the little old lady with a door or groceries. I'd drop anything to help a friend in need. But not strangers anymore.

I've noticed gas and food prices rise in cost. Placing stress and financial burden on families. I've noticed many people loosing lots of money in the stock market. What ever was left of it before 9-11, is gone now...placing more burden on friends and families. I wish I could say that 9-11 didn't affect us...but I think it did.

I'm with you, ceecel.dee. If I can't be a good Samaritan, what's the use of being in this world? :)

Originally posted by Huganurse

The one thing I noticed and was talking to my friends about last week was how everyone seems to be more selfish than ever before.

Huganurse, I agree 100%. People are scared. I think we have kicked in to a survival mode - Fight vs. Flight syndrome for sure! We no longer trust, we no longer give the benefit of the doubt so easily anymore. Is this bad? Yes and no. The world has become so dangerous now. Buyer beware. Parents beware. Women beware. BEWARE. I don't let my 6 year old daughter play in my backyard, which is walled and fenced in, without my 138 lbs Rottweiler out there with her. I know. Doesn't make sense does it? Walled AND fenced in yard and I still don't want her back there by herself. I can't keep my eyes off her. Play outside with other kids? Heck no. What if a parent or sibling of those kids is a molester? Sell girl scout cookies door-to-door? HECK NO. In 1979 I sold cookies alll over my neighborhood by myself. I was 13. At one home, 8 blocks from my house, the people invited me in for milk and cookies. I sat and talked to them for hours. Nice couple. No way in he11 that will happen today.

One more thing - I had dropped my daughter off at daycare, was driving to work when a girl ran up to my car at a stop sign. She was about 10 years old, crying, saying a dog was chasing her, could I please give her a ride home? I hate to say this, but I didn't want to do it. I kept thinking, what if someone sees this child get in my car and calls the police thinking I picked her up? What if they think I'm abducting her? What are her parents going to think when they see me pulling up with their child in my car? Well, I did take her home and I was so nervous the entire time. When I pulled up in the driveway my heart was pounding so hard thinking of how to explain to these people what happened and not to be alarmed. I pulled up, the girl jumped out, I got out ready to give an explanation, and you know what? The parents just said, "thanks" and that was it!! I almost got offended that they didn't question me or why I had the child in the car. Oh well. But, that's how times have changed.... :stone

I always stop...and always will!

(unless, of course, the Pros are already there! The paramedics have more in the field knowledge and authority than little old me!)

In fact, my kids groan when we witness an accident or problem..."oh, no! Now we're gonna be late! Don't stop, pleeeeeeeeze, Mom! They will be just fine without you!...ad nauseum...)

Haze

No more than I always did before 9/11. You might find more eys answers from non-nurses.

My sense of duty to America and our people has kicked into overdrive because of this.

Also, my daughter was in a bad car accident this year and she was comforted by a passerby when it was discovered that she would have to be Jaws of Life'd out of the car. She tried to find out the lady's name to thank her, but was unable to.

Yes, I sure would help. What if it was your kid?

ceecel.dee I always have stopped to help, and always will. [...] 06-14-2002 11:07 AM (3)

As ceecel says - and I ALWAYS WILL....

And I will always keep my eyes open for people who need assistance getting on the bus... opening the door for people, offering to help out here and there

I was raised "old school" where you always help out and look out for others... even if you get a cold shoulder doing it.... so I voted no...

I always have and always will. No terrorist will stop me from helping others. That is my choice and my freedom as an American and that is something noone will ever take away. Besides I can get hit by a car while im crossing the street, if i die or get injured me and mine will know that it happened while doing something I love!

my nature is what it has always been before sept. 11, events, compassionate, caring, and helping others. what i have come to realize more since this tradegy is, the peace i thought i had and the faith i know i had, have been calrified more. since i know i can't stop living due to horrific acts, i trust in god more and try very hard to worry as little as possible. great thread!

I am SO SICK of anyone believing we should have "changed" after 9/11. Does this imply NO ONE Cared or behaved DECENTLY BEFORE then? **Especially nursing professionals**. If 9/11 changed anything for me, it just made me believe even more firmly that NOTHING is granted and you can lose it all tomorrow in a flash, so enjoy what you have today. But I believed this before then and will continue to do so afterward.

Too bad, anyone believes it should take a massive crisis like 9/11, to change anyone for the better. Too bad, we cannot be caring and giving every day because we feel called to it as human beings, period.