parascribe

All the above, plus a retractable pocket tape measure. And booze, but not pocket size, that's just asking for trouble

I try to remember what Oscar Wilde said: " A gentleman is never rude unintentionally." What I most try to avoid is replying in anger, or just snapping at someone. After that, depends on what you're trying to accomplish. I find that using rudeness as ...

That's a great tip, thanks. As to superstition, I tell people I didn't use to be superstitious, then I became a paramedic. Being a nurse reinforces it. My first mentor gave me a great line "Always remember, we take care of other people's emergencies....

Do you single out the men who don't throw away their garbage? Do you expect the men in your department to manage your trash for you?

I feel the same. However, it has been an issue at my work, hence my feeling that any woman that complains about the position of a toilet seat forfeits any issues of gender equality. Anyone who needs someone else to position the toilet seat is clearly...

I'm surprised this is being discussed. I tend my own bathroom habits with no expectation of assistance from anyone. When I hear a woman complain about the toilet seat being left up, I assume they're forfeiting any future argument about gender equalit...

I'm pretty sure I've had that patient, or their relative, or maybe it was someone who just hatched out of the same pod. I agree with Stargazer, I've had good results asking simple direct questions, always politely and calmly. I find that often, peop...

So you're saying that women can't compete with men when the playing field is level? I disagree and think your comments are demeaning to women. The most toxic work environment I ever worked in was an all male fire station. Gossiping, backstabbing, la...

People who wish to take offense, will find a reason. I never said any such thing and I resent you implying it.

Engineering definitely changed the game for EMS and fire. One thing I noticed over the course of my EMS career was that I started to see vehicles with more damage, requiring more extrication effort, but not necessarily worse injuries. The advent of c...

I have about two shifts in my ER that were all male. It caused us all to pray for no gynecological emergencies.

self-concious and uncomfortable. I spent some many years wearing ems pants and boots, when I started nursing, scrubs and tennis shoes felt like I was undressed.

My first response was denial, but finally I went to a cardiologist.

I think when and how you ask is probably more important than what you ask. And also maybe who you ask. Most days, I'm like PedsRN and love to share a learning opportunity. But then some other days.... You have to pick your moment.

I've worked with a few people over the years who have a similar problem. Just remember, it's not generally the nurse's job to get stuck! If you don't have a problem administering shots and IV's, you should have no problem.

As a possible alternative to drugs, there's a particular, sickly sweet smell associated with bad cockroach infestation in some homes. Having spent years in EMS going in and out some vile homes, I tend to notice it right away. It is different than the...

I realized I had an issue with veins when I watched an Angelina Jolie nude scene and noticed her great veins. Questioned my career choice and my sexuality for a few minutes.

Scrub jackets are required in the OR, I don't feel unmanly when I wear one there. On the other hand, when I work in the ED, if I'm cold I wear my fleece. It's handier and more comfortable.

I agree that messiness is not a gender issue. I tend to be neat about picking up packaging, vials, etc because of my background in EMS, if you leave a mess there, it's quite literally in a stranger's home. My manager, female, tends to leave behind a ...

I popped into this thread looking for a little humor. When I was a paramedic, and even now as and ED RN, I collect chief complaints. Two of my favorites from my time pre-hospital: 0300 called to respond for difficulty breathing to an apartment comple...