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This isn't rocket science. It's not conditioning, misogyny, or patriarchy---men and women ARE different. Let me set this up--where I work, we are EXTREMELY short on RN and CNA staff. For several months, our facility is offering an incentive program where you commit to work so many extra shifts (HOURS, actually) per month. The number of hours are tiered (for example, tier 1 would be 24-36 extra hours, 2 is 48 hours, 3 is 72 hours, and 4 is 96 hours). Each tier has a bonus attached to it, payable (in addition to regular, OT, charge, weekend, and shift differential pay) at the end of the month so long as you meet your hourly commitment. In addition, we have been "mandating" nurses and CNAs to stay past their scheduled shifts to cover for shortages. Of course we can tell someone they are being mandated, but there is no real teeth behind it and they don't HAVE TO stay. Males on in our facility are numbered a little lower than the industry average, that is, roughly 7% of our RNs are male and most of them work in CCU or the ED, not on med floors like I do. I FAR surpassed all of the female nurses I work with in pay a couple of months ago, because I keep picking the top tiers (3 and 4) to work extra. The females have decided that they'd rather have the time to spend with children, or on family or leisure time. I know, because I am very close with my coworkers and we talk about it. I and the other 2 males on our floor have more months on the incentive program longer than any of the females combined. Most will do 2 months at a time and then they either stop altogether or take a month or two off of it. On the program, I've made as much in 6 months this year as I did all last year. How much do you suppose that skews the earnings charts? If you didn't know what was going on, you could look at a female RN who had been there 5 times as long as me and say that I made more than she did and claim what? Misogyny? Patriarchy? Unfairness? Wage gap? I also take charge nurse A LOT. Is it because I like it? NO. It's because I'm less likely to say something about it, like calling the outgoing charge RN to ask that they not be made charge for their shift. This also drives up my wage comparatively. In addition, with the "mandates," I've been told by several female RNs that they need to get home to their babies and that they WILL NOT stay. So, the next person in line (based on their last mandated date) has to stay. I've never said I wouldn't stay. In fact, I've stayed INSTEAD of others who would have been mandated had I not volunteered. MOST of the female nurses on our floor also covet daytime shifts and prefer 8-hour vs 12-hour shifts. Why? Who knows?--more family time, more regular sleep schedule, school schedules, daycare schedules.... How do I know? Because I am either involved in or overhear the talk. We also have maternity leave for both mothers AND fathers. The mothers almost always take the max amount of time allowed. I've not known any male/father to take more than 2 weeks... Say what you want, but the bottom line is that the gender "wage gap" is more behavior driven than anything else.

As an EMT as well as a nurse (I have been the former for a lot longer) I have started to see where these problems arise. I think the main thing is that nursing (even in the ER) has different goals than pre-hospital care...

Just had a computer training module on this a few days ago. Apparently, the research shows that the because the stomach and the lungs are in close enough proximity that the test could yield deceptive results. It also that stated a tube in the lungs is not always symptomatic right away... Thats what I remember from the CBL. I can look it up when I am there again and check for some sources for the info...

Hello Everyone, I'm a brand new RN, just graduated in December. I start basic orientation next week and start orienting on the floor with my preceptor for 90 days on the following week. I'm in my early 40s, have been an EMT-B for many years, an Infantry Medic, and an ER Technician. I'm excited and I'm also a little nervous. What are some of the things you wish you had brushed up on before starting as a new nurse? I know I just finished school, but, in a two-year ADN program, you get crammed with so much knowledge in such a short period, you start to realize you have all of this knowledge, passed the NCLEX, and yet, feel just a bit inadequate--maybe more than just a bit. That is, particularly having worked around RNs for some time in the ER, I've had time to realize how much I DON'T know and how hard it can be sometimes to exercise your ability to recall info when you need it. Thanks everyone!

I also went into nursing with an EMS and Army Medic background. I don't know about you, but, I struggled in nursing school trying to get out of the EMS mindset. Its not easy. EMS goals are different than nursing goals--even in an ER (I worked as an ER Tech during my last six months of nursing school). I find the cliched competition between nurses and medics a little perplexing because they simply aren't the same and they don't have the same goals. Nonetheless, anything you learned in EMS is valuable in nursing, even if its simply knowing how to get hands-on a patient (though its obviously more than that, particularly when you are talking about technical skills). As a newbie cardiac nurse just out of school, I once felt your frustration. I hope your search is productive and you find a home. There are a great many places that would be lucky to have you.

The statistics don't lie. Statistically, across all professions, in an apples to apples comparison, there is no gender wage gap. Its not there. Is there anecdotal evidence to show that there are situations where it happens? YES--they are anomalies, not the norm. This should be addressed when it does. I am also in my mid-40s and spent 17 years in 3 different unions. I'm really not sure how it is possible that another union member makes a different wage than another that is outside the union contract. In 17 years amongst in professions mixed with both men and women, I NEVER saw that happen.

Hello Everyone, I'm a brand new RN, just graduated in December. I start basic orientation next week and start orienting on the floor with my preceptor for 90 days on the following week. I'm in my early 40s, have been an EMT-B for many years, an Infantry Medic, and an ER Technician. I'm excited and I'm also a little nervous. What are some of the things you wish you had brushed up on before starting as a new nurse? I know I just finished school, but, in a two-year ADN program, you get crammed with so much knowledge in such a short period, you start to realize you have all of this knowledge, passed the NCLEX, and yet, feel just a bit inadequate--maybe more than just a bit. That is, particularly having worked around RNs for some time in the ER, I've had time to realize how much I DON'T know and how hard it can be sometimes to exercise your ability to recall info when you need it. Thanks everyone!

So, what I'm getting here is that there is really no substitute for CCU experience. I'm about to enter my 4th and final semester in my ADN and will be continuing on with to my BSN. I have some years of Army Medic and EMT-B experience, but, I was wondering, might it worth it at all to pursue Paramedic certification or would that be nonsensical and the time better used gaining CCU experience? Thanks for the input...

You should really look and see how well having the government "pay facilities...to hire more nurses" is working out in the UK. Hint: its not. It always strikes me as funny (and sad) when people think "the government" just has the money to do, whatever....Yes, all of society's ailes could surely be cured if each one just got a few more bucks from their rich uncle. The problem with that is that money isn't the only problem and that's not "the government's" money to spend as it sees fit---it belongs to the people. I'm not getting into this profession to live well or to make my nest egg--if you have grown up over the last 3 decades and, at any time, you've had it in your head that SS is going to be there for you when you retire OR that healthcare work (other than being an MD) is the best way to have a good retirement, you haven't been paying attention. I was a locomotive engineer and if I was more concerned about wanting to make a six-figure salary and have an OUTSTANDING retirement (look up railroad retirement), I'd have held out and stayed there. I liked my job, had union protection (but, I'm glad to be rid of the union), and would have eventually been untouchable due to seniority---or so I thought and many still think. Look at the technological changes coming to the railroad--it doesn't bode well for maintaining the current size of the workforce, and, they've been downsized before by technology. I'm going to be a nurse because I enjoy working with patients. Yes, I do understand that I could get tired or burnt out or something else can happen which is why I will continue my education to open up other avenues of opportunity and why I will also maintain other certifications like EMT and a class-A CDL. I'm already pushing my mid-40s and I've already had one career that was ended by technology and, another one that eventually would be. I'm not bitter about it, its simply a reality of the modern world. Another reality is that the government does not and never will have the money nor resources to prop up one profession, no matter how noble a cause it may be. And, if you think that government involvement would make any certain job more secure, well, think again--political winds change all of the time....

"My truth", "careers are BS", "not my dream job", "stuff I'll never use"---yup, you've honestly just confirmed that you basically are or are just like a whiny millennial. And, don't give my that crap about 'labels' either because I just don't care. "Your truth"---no such thing. There's true and there's false. You may have opinions, but there is only one truth. "won't change the world"--this is another unfortunate misconception like the 'dream job'. Relatively few individuals on this planet have 'changed the world' on their own. It's a collaborative effort. That's not skepticism or pessimism, its simply a quantitative reality. You'd be better off and be less disenchanted if you stick to what human beings are really here for--each other. You CAN make a difference in people's lives, and, that's what the what the world is really made up of... "Careers are BS"---I've heard variations of the same thing over the last decade now from the same generation. "People weren't made to have careers." Not true--we just don't take as good of care of ourselves as we used to, even when we possess the knowledge to do so. That said, yup--your body is going to break down a bit every day no matter what you do. Wanna be a job bum, moving from career field to career field for the rest of your days? Well, good luck providing any financial stability for your family. Unless you already have a pension from somewhere else, you might want to look up what history, experience, and statistics say your chances are of doing very well without a 'career'. "Not my dream job"--Some people have theirs land in their lap, some people find it after a lot of hard work, but the reality is that MOST people don't find their dream job. The hard truth is that most people have to work to find a balance between work, family, and what makes them happy. That's just life. I know the younger generation thinks they can arbitrarily change that little bit of reality, but it hasn't been panning out too well for them so far. "Stuff I'll never use"--ah yes--spoken like one with years of experience in a given field. I've at least got a bit of experience in the medical field--I think maybe you should be an EMT or Paramedic. What you 'need to know' and the 'stuff you'll use' is a bit more defined. You don't have QUITE the autonomy (I'm going to draw the ire of a few paramedics with that statement for not expounding on my point--yes, I know that it's not completely true--autonomy may not be the right word). What I mean is, what you can and cannot do as an EMT or Paramedic is defined more by protocol and algorithm and is a much more specialized field (pre-hospital care)--nursing is all over the place. You also spend more time with patients as a nurse and have to apply a more broad approach to medicine and all-around patient care. To be fair, I'm just on my way to a 'career' (there's that dirty word) in nursing too, but, having spent time as an EMT and a military medic, I'm very rapidly learning the very important differences between pre-hospital and in-patient care. One isn't necessarily more difficult, but, they are very, very different. I'm also in my mid-40s and came to the place I'm at having spent 15 years in one 'career' that I left before it became a dead end, 3 years in one that I loved that came to a premature end (my 'dream job', if you will--driving locomotives), and another 13 years, throughout all of that, in part-time endeavors like the military, firefighting, and EMS. In my humble experience, people with your attitude (one of arrogance and entitlement) don't last long in any career where they start off thinking they know what they 'need' to know and 'don't need' to know. That attitude on the railroad, in the military, and in the fire/EMS service will get you and/or someone else killed. I doubt the stakes vary too terribly much in the nursing field. It seems you're trying to find as many people as possible who will validate your feelings of frustration, and, inevitably, you have and will get a few. I'm at the PEAK of stress and frustration--I work full-time, go to school full time, I have 4 kids (my oldest is 20, youngest is 12), and a wife who is MORE sick of my schooling than I am. Sleep? What's that?!? But, it's all temporary. It's crap that you just have to push through, and, if you're THIS frustrated THIS early on, and you are THAT concerned about your time, I really doubt that this is the program or 'career' for you...

It doesn't have to be that way and it shouldn't be. How many nurses work in the exact same specialty their entire careers? From what I've seen, not a lot. A nurse is literally a jack of all trades, master of some. Look, I work 40-48 hours per week while in a program where I am constantly reminded by my instructors that working that much while doing this program is not recommended and I'm maintaining As and Bs... I used to think like you did. "Why do I need to know all of this?" Now, the nursing theories---I agree---crap. But, the A&P, Pharmacology, Alterations--why would you WANT to skimp on that when you are training to be a medical professional? You also never know where you might end up. When I was an infantry medic in the Army, I didn't go lazy on my regular soldiering like shooting, moving, and communicating, or my knowledge of infantry battle drills. Why? Because you never know what kind of situation you may end up in, no matter what your 'specialty'. What if you're forced to float somewhere else? What if you work in an ER? CCU? Med/Surge? You'll see all kinds of things, like people with comorbidities that cross 'specialties'. Do yourself and future patients a favor and change your attitude about it. Yes, SOME of that stuff is too deep and you'll only see it in a test, then forget it. Once you start seeing patients in clinicals, you'll figure out what you need to know and what you don't. I think you'll be surprised how much of that knowledge that you really do use... Good luck!

As if a surplus is the single indicator of a healthy economy.... Sorry, Reich is quite simply a "tax the rich and find ways to spend it" economist. And, the Sec of Labor does not "preside over an economy". Have you tried Sowell or Friedman? I'm neither a left or right winger, but I too study economics--the very and most basic principals that most mainstream economists today like to ignore. You can't tax us into prosperity. You can't create a surplus via taxes, when, by your own admission, we are in the midst of a major economic shift, particularly by way of labor. We're going to have to start looking at things like a universal basic income because, as you hinted at, tech will eventually start to hedge out labor, even in places like agriculture. With automation and drone technology (I'm a drone pilot myself) running wild, it's only a matter of time. There will be less and less need for unskilled labor and, I know leftist hate to hear it, but, people can't simply do "whatever they put their minds to." Human beings don't work that way, and where by basic rights we may all be created equal, by intelligence, talent, and skill, we are not. That's why there is scarcity in all manner of employment markets. But, Reich, like "tax the rich" economists, makes no effort to understand basic economic relationships like sacrcity nor has he much regard for facts. He LOVES corellary relationships, but, even my 12-year old can come to seemingly logical conclusions using those. The most basic rule he ignores is what economics or economy actually is and what I already hinted at: the use of SCARCE resources which have alternative uses. Scarce simply means that people always want more than there is, the implications of which are often grossly misunderstood, even by highly educated people like Mr. Reich. Like here where he is taken apart, piece by piece, because he has to twist words and ideas in order to make his points stick.... https://www.forbes.com/sites/paulroderickgregory/2013/09/12/sorry-mr-reich-your-economics-grade-is-still-f-reply-to-robert-reich-2/ Enjoy....

I live in WI....

I'm almost 3/4 of the way done with my ADN and I can tell you from the clinicals I just finished on the cardiology floor that YES---you need to know and UNDERSTAND your A&P. In the program I am in, we have progressive courses that build on A&P more and more (it goes deeper and deeper--Health Promotions, Health Alterations, and Complex Health Alterations, 1 and 2) each semester. In your first semester, it's not such a big deal when you're just learning to take vitals and a head-to-toe and history, but, as you move on and you are passing meds like lasix, warfarin, metoprolol, and diltiazem---all on one progressive care patient, you'll be glad you had all of those "gen-ed" classes, especially when your trying to explain endocarditis and heart failure to family members and why they need to be taking so many meds AND when it's up to you to follow a weaning protocol for those meds and you have to apply some critical thinking. As for the other stuff, it rounds you out a bit and also aids in your ability to think critically, think outside the box, and to look at patients (and family memebers) from all different sides. I'm just a 3rd semester ADN student and I have A LOT of learning left to do, and, I am certain that the learning will never stop. But, you really do need that gen-ed base if you want to be a good and well-rounded RN....In our program, those are pre-program courses. That is, you don't even get accepted into the core at all until you are a CNA and have completed A&P, Advanced A&P, and Developmental Psych......

Shortage isn't a good word for it. A better word, from an economic standpoint, is 'scarcity'. Economics is defined as "the use of scarce resources, which have alternative uses." Scarce simply means not enough to go around, and, in nursing, there are all kinds of "alternative uses." Think of all of the different types of positions that RNs hold that aren't involved with direct patient care. That said, as I believe many have stated already, it depends on where you are. Where I am, we DEFINATELY have a shortage of nurses and CNAs. There is a major university here that graduates BSN RNs twice every year and a tech school that graduates ADN RNs and LPNs twice per year. The tech is adding a summer 4th semester this year in order to add 16 more grads for another hiring period due to increased demand by employers. We have 3 hospitals here and countless clinics and long-term care facilities. I don't know anyone that is adequately staffed except, perhaps, a few of the clinics. Over in Europe, particularly the UK, it is about to become a crisis. "More than 1,000 NHS staff who belong to the Observer and Guardian's healthcare network were surveyed. Almost half of respondents (48%) said care had been compromised on their last shift, while only 2% felt there were always enough people to provide safe care. More than half (53%) say they cannot provide the level of care they want to." We could argue the reasons, but, that gets into politics, which I'll stay away from here. Its easier to post the news articles from over there than to explain, so, here are a few... Thousands of NHS nursing and doctor posts lie vacant - BBC News NHS facing ‘unprecedented’ nursing crisis with 4

Well, I'm almost done with my second semester (of four) of nursing school and, coming from an EMS and infantry medic background, I have struggled with trying to shake my EMS mentality for the nursing mentality. I always new that they were different, but, the EMS mentality is much more focused and mechanical while nursing is total patient. I kick butt at taking vitals (I think I'm better without the machine) and doing head-to-toe and focused assessments, but, it's all of the other things (nursing assessments) that I have to keep in mind as well. There is a bigger (deeper is probably a better word) picture that we just don't get much opportunity to deal with on the EMS side. I'm still considering taking the Paramedic course once I'm done with nursing, but, that will depend largely on what my wife thinks about it. She's as burnt out on school as I am and I still have my BSN to think about when I'm done with my ADN. All that said, I can see why nurse's who just bridge to EMT-P could have an issue getting lost in the weeds with a more "big picture" approach. Knowing what I know now, I'd stick to what I said previously in this thread--I'm not sure that bridge idea is a good one. It's hard to shake a certain mentality for another, no matter which way you're going... Just my .02...

Beards and tattoos are two VERY different things. Both can be personal expressions, but, tattoos go a little further. In addition, if standards change, for whatever the reason, a beard can be trimmed or even shaved clean. Tattoos are more permanent and tend to be more personal and explicitly expressive. I'm not really a fan of the "offended at everything" culture these days, but, chances are good you will find people who don't appreciate whatever it is your tattoo says/represents/portrays. Maybe or maybe not---it depends on the tattoo and the person. I do believe you will also find that more institutions than not are still not okay with tattoos being on full display on arms, necks, and faces for those very reasons I just mentioned--better safe than sorry, and rightly so. In addition, many believe that tattoos are still unprofessional or LOOK unprofessional. That's also not likely to change in the near future since it is largely subjective, and, again--better safe than sorry. I'm personally one that believes that just because one wants to "express themselves", that everyone else shouldn't necessarily have to be exposed to it, particularly in a professional setting. In public--that's a different story. I think the perception of "acceptance" is more of a result of desensitization than an actual acceptance of tattoos in professional settings. I was going to get a tattoo a few years ago---I had waited many years, seriously contemplating the permanent inking of my skin. After finally settling on a very personal design (a large one that encompassed most of my upper back), I realized one of the cool things about having a tattoo--that they were unique and kind of rebellious--wasn't cool anymore because everyone and their girlfriend had one now. There's nothing special about having a tattoo anymore--the rebellious nature had now become mainstream. I knew more people that had them than not... And, it MAY be more uncommon for a guy not to have a beard these days (I'm not so sure about that), but, I see more nasty, unkempt beards than I do well groomed ones (length not being a factor). I hope THAT trend changes...

I had a beard throughout my first semester of nursing school. I kept it trim and neat looking and I never received a comment, positive or negative, from patients, fellow classmates, or instructors. There were other males in my class that also had/have beards. Just check the policies where you will be going to school and where you will be doing clinicals and I'm sure you'll be fine. As for the N95, there are alternatives. I work in a hospital, so, I have been fitted for at least 3 different kinds of masks, 2 that work just fine with my beard. I've seen plenty of other male nurses at said hospital that also have facial hair...

I'm 43 and I'm about to start my 2nd semester of nursing at our local tech school. I work full time and have 4 kids, so, its REALLY tough, but, if you are determined, you can do it!

I was an infantry medic in the army for many years and worked in EMS and as a Firefighter for 13 years, paid on call. As medic, I learned crics, IOs, and intubations along with quite a few standing order meds. Having been an EMT, I understand the the prehospital role is different in very critical ways from "standard" nursing (if there is such a thing--hopefully, you catch my drift). Also, having now been exposed to the nursing program and the nursing world, I also understand that many RNs are MUCH more highly trained and capable (particularly those in critical care and working in EDs) than many in the EMS world would give them credit for. Anyway, I'm just about to finish my first semester of nursing and, I hope to work at earning my Paramedic cert when I'm done. I plan on speaking with the Paramedic/EMT director at the tech to find out what coursework HE would be comfortable with me skipping, if any. I don't want a "shortcut", but, I'm certain I'm not going to need another year of coursework to catch me up to the paramedic standard our technical college goes by. That said, if that's what is determined that I must do to achieve that goal, I'll do it. I'll do it because I love EMS and I want to serve in as many ways as I can, even after I achieve my RN. I would, perhaps, even like to work on a helicopter, someday, if circumstances allow. Money isn't even a consideration for me--its just in my blood, cheesy as that may sound...

I've studied plenty of philosophy. The ONLY place I've found for it in life is to give name to how one feels and behaves. It doesn't actually guide anything. Philosophy is not principal and nursing theories are not practical. Are theories and philosophy interesting? Sure, but, do they serve a PRACTICAL purpose? Meh...Certainly in certain circles and disciplines. In nursing, they're just common sense organized into bullet points and put to paper. I agree--nursing theories exist to give certain groups of individuals something to do. Patients and their circumstances are unique, and, some people are gifted in adapting to and dealing with those people and their circumstances as it applies in a Healthcare or emergency setting. Some aren't--you can't really teach it. Categorizing how certain individuals choose to apply or in what manner they are adept in applying their craft is a waste of time, effort, and student loans...

I'm just getting to the end of my first semester of nursing school. I've been an EMT and I was an Army medic for quite a while. I'm also a healthy skeptic and I like to do serious research. What am I getting at? I like to THINK I kind of know what I'm talking about (stress on the kind of--I'm not trying to be arrogant here) . Allow me to preface a bit more...I'm sure we all know someone into the home brew cures and magazine article "life-hacks" for all that ales you/us. I've done a skeptic's research into essential oils, "long lost" vitamin and mineral bit, "super foods", green smoothies, and different types of diets. What makes me a skeptic is statements like "if you are thirsty, you're already mildly dehydrated". Or, "most people are low on [insert electrolyte or vitamin/mineral here], so, this is what you need for that." Oh, you're stressed out?--here, have some vitamin B. Oh, AND, rub some of this "stress complex oil" on your forehead and behind your ears (that one has actually worked for me, believe it or not, on more than one occasion). If you listened to every one of these people, do you know how full of crap you could fill up a cupboard? I really do, because my wife's family is really into the natural cures thing. Now, even as a skeptic, I'm not saying I don't agree with some of these things. There is legitimate evidence that some of these things are valid (many essential oils, some of the vitamin and mineral bits). But, when I listen to some of the articles that are read to me, knowing what I DO know about how the body works, sometimes I find myself laughing out loud. Then I have to pause and wonder how many people get taken for a serious ride with some of these snake oil cures and remedies. I've recently heard the term "glutaphine" (supposed to be a chemical that causes gluten to mimic the effects of morphine). The author was then begging the question "can you imagine your child bouncing off of the walls like he/she was high on morphine?" Ah, can you imagine a world where you actually understand the nature of a narcotic before you print something dumb about it? Looking into this, I think I discovered where the misconception comes from, and that is the effect that eating foods high in sugar, carbs (or, gluten, I suppose) causes the release of endorphins, much like almost any drug high does. It's what makes you feel good and want to go back for more. But, it's not even in the vicinity of being high on morphine. How about that "most people" are magnesium deficient, or "if you aren't drinking 8 cups of water per day, you aren't getting enough?" I get tired of hearing, every time I get a sniffle, "you need to take some of this or that." Again, I concede that there are some natural medicinal and dietary practices that are probably as old as the dirt and really are effective. I also understand that there is an optimum or therapeutic zone that our bodies would, ideally, love to maintain all of the time, but, I also understand that our bodies were built or evolved (whatever you believe) to handle a very large variety of imbalances and ailments. The more I learn, the more I'm continually astounded anew by the body's propensity for homeostasis and it's ability to find it...

Thanks for the post! I love seeing all of the creative ideas and study strategies...!

I have to take a break every once in a while, so, I've been watching a bit of the "pre-Grey's" medical drama, "ER". The original main character was Anthony Edwards (yes, "Goose", from Top Gun). Being an older student, I actually watched this series from start to finish with my wife. I'm working my way back through it now. I've made my way through "Grey's Anatomy" (not a fan anymore), "House", and "Scrubs"--I even used to watch "St. Elsewhere" with my Mom and Dad when I was a kid (yup--Howie Mandel and Denzel Washington were in a medical drama together). I used to watch MASH and I've been able to watch a bit of "Chicago Fire" here and there. Bottom line--I've seen quite a few over the last few decades. Having been and EMT, Army Medic, and a Firefighter since the early 2000s, I've seen a few things myself, mostly on the EMS side. To say the least, my wife hates watching some of these shows with me. However, now, being in nursing school, and with my prior EMS and FF experience, I've developed a PRETTY GOOD nose for what's BS and what's not... So, I decided to rank (well, its more like just a list) which shows I've found to be most accurate over the years and which I think are total BS, with a few in the middle. Let me know what YOU think... Grey's Anatomy--Where to start? My biggest issue, I think, are that these docs and residents do all of the procedures that NURSES would do. I don't even know why nurses even grace the halls on that show at all...I always thought the total rejection of authority and utter disregard for standard medical procedures would probably be a pretty quick pathway OUT of a surgical residency, but, that's just me... Chicago Fire--It's kind of fun, but, good grief--I know Hollywood tries to balance accuracy with drama, but, this show is really hit or miss. Of course the Firefighters and Paramedics are going to disobey orders and do that which they know they shouldn't. Some of the med procedures are alright, but, many of them are set up to work around some other drama. I like the camaraderie and some of the departmental rivalries, but, A lot of the fire stuff is just total bunk... House--It's tough to rank these with so many different factors. How long do you think a defiant sociopath with an opioid addiction and utter disregard for authority would last in the medical field--no matter how good he is? Of course, the docs would NEVER be doing many of the specialty diagnostic procedures or lab work. And, can you imagine having a TB patient in a non-isolation room without negative pressure? The constant breaking and entering by the team-members to investigate patient environments? The science part of it and the mysteries were always super-cool. All that said--I LOVED that show...I really didn't care about the inaccuracies, but, in all honesty, this should probably be at the bottom of the barrel for it... ER--My favorite by far. I like that the nurses have a semi-major roll in the show. Even the non-credited regulars stayed consistent over all 15 seasons (Halay, Chuny, Malik), and, a few of them were main characters (Carol, Abby, Sam). I know the docs do do more of the procedures that nurses would be doing, but, its not NEAR as bad a Grey's. And, watching this now the second time through with a better base of medical knowledge of terms, meds, procedures, and diseases, I'm noticing that this show never shied away from alienating the layman. They rarely dumbed it down, medically. Not to say there were not inaccuracies (especially if you really watch the things going on off to the side or in the background)--of course there were plenty. I always thought they worked a little TOO fast for a trauma team, especially in terms of patient safety--adds to the drama, right...? One of the things I REALLY appreciate about ER is their portrayal of ethical and cultural issues. They always left you with the sense that there may have been another way to go, and that maybe one or the other were neither right nor wrong--very thought provoking. It often leaves you asking, what would I do? Scrubs--Goofy and definitely a comedy, but, I always appreciated that the outcomes weren't always good and sometimes even unresolved--you didn't always see how things play out, suggesting that there was more to a medical story than you could portray in 30 minutes--I thought that was very realistic. I remember there not being much in the way of technical medical material, but, I've HEARD that the portrayal of medical residents and their interactions with other areas of the profession was very accurate. Honorable (and not-so-honorable) mentions: St. Elsewhere, Chicago Med (ugh), Quincy-M.E., Private Practice, China Beach, Emergency Room (90s sitcom), Chicago Hope (never saw it), Doogie Howser, M.D., The Good Doctor, Emergency! Like I said, let me know what some of your favorites are/were and what you think of my list. What do YOU think is the most accurate and the most inaccurate, medically...?? What have you seen that is total crap? What have you seen that is really accurate?

I was verbally and physically bullied when I was a kid. With social media, it has evolved. In the younger generation, I've run across many who have lost sensitivity to real-life social cues and don't even have basic respect for those they should have respect for (elders, parents, teachers, authority figures, other people in general). Likewise, sensitivity to this lack of respect has also gotten touchier. Not to mention, they are emboldened by not having to deal with an actual physical reaction (we know how much of communication is non-verbal). THIS aspect I have seen carry over into even the "older" generations that should know better. People who would never have said the kind of things they do on social media in person, are carrying it over into the "real world". All that said, when people go out of their way to step on your actions or judgement simply because they can or think you won't do anything about it--that's a lighter form of bullying. No, not to the extent that most would call it, but, someone using some aspect of their position, size, or personality to deliberately make someone else feel uncomfortable, IS being a bully. I look younger than I am. Typically when asked, people think I'm around 30 or so, when in fact, I'm almost 43 and am already retired from the military. I've had a few jobs where people thought they were gonna screw with the new guy. Now, I expect that to a certain extent. I've even done it to others--its a right of passage. But, trying to intimidate me just because you get some jollies from it--NOT HAVING IT. I think the best thing to do is have a conversation with the person causing you a problem. Be open, but, polite and respectful--make it clear that you are serious about just wanting to get to the root of the problem. "Do you have a problem with me?" "Have I done something to upset you?" Give examples of why you feel that way. BE RESPECTFUL and look them in the eye. These are completely reasonable questions. If the individual(s) you are talking about are actually participating in some kind of 'pushing you around' just because they can, there's a good chance they'll be taken aback by your boldness and it might just stop for your asking. On the other hand, be prepared to eat some crow. Someone might just be trying to see what you're made of--assessing you. If that's what they're doing, you might get a little crap for your confrontation. If this happens, you'd better make sure that they understand that you were just making sure because you couldn't decipher what was going on and take ownership--you just didn't want to be causing a problem. The point is, gather up your courage and just talk to them. Hope you get it figured out...