Nurse-Arnold

You probably have found nurses to be boring because you're around them 24/7, and we tend to keep our conversation at a professional level as colleagues to get on with the program and get the job done. Frankly, of all the health care professionals, we hardly have time for chatter, given the ever increasing workload. As an ED nurse, I can count on one hand the number of times I've had a full 15 minute tea break, needless to say find time to talk about social events. I suppose that's the boring part, but outside of work, I have a varied circle of associates that I hold a healthy amount of diverse discussions with. An observation I've made in the past 2 decades inclusive of my student years as a nurse, is that it is difficult to be close with most nursing colleagues due to an uncanny habit by nurses to outwit each other and be favorites with management, doctors and patients alike. That has taught me to be nothing but myself at work, and to be the best I can be to patients, and be a meaningful part of the team. I avoid being over familiar, for it breeds contempt.

I'm sure a Dr would know why the RN came in at 03h00 to administer medication, since he would have had to prescribe it in the first place. The PA is obviously still too wet behind the ears to appreciate the multiple functions of a nurse inclusive of administering medication in a timely manner to avert complications. Needless to mention that bad mouthing other cadres in front of patients exposes a lack of confidence on his part, and in the end he was the idiot in this instance, receiving worthwhile rationale for a 3am injection in front of the same patient he'd been gossiping about nurses to!

You don't sound very enthusiastic about nursing, and I wonder if change of career wouldn't be a better option?

Your slight concern is understandable, but trust me you'll adjust well. ED staff are always prepared for all kinds of medical emergencies, and your critical care skills will come in handy. You'll find that you eventually get accustomed to caring for patients with a wide range of injuries and acute ailments from the newborn right through to senior citizens.

Well, I've worked with MDs with a wide range of personalities in my 18 years as an RN, and kind of agree that there isn't much time for petty issues or sarcasm in the ED. Pretty much I've had a great sense of professional appreciation in the ED and in EMS as a Flight Nurse, as opposed to general units. That said though, if the MDs notice that you conduct yourself professionally and use your grey matter well, they'll be obliged to be professional towards you. In terms of being cordial, they may not necessarily come through, as it is dependent on compliment from either end.