"From doctors to beautiful ladies..."

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · May 12, 2006

I think his statement does objectify the nurses. That said, his intent was sincerely good. I think we ought to understand where people are coming from (he's old school) and accept a compliment within the context of how it's meant (he clearly meant well). Accept the compliment because that's how he meant it and move on.

It's like the older men we deal with as patients. I don't get upset when they sometimes say things that are not ok nowadays...because they are just being old men and living how they know. Read from their context.

Now if someone in my personal life made a statement that objectified me...woe unto them!

tryingtomakeit, RN · May 12, 2006

Try as I might, I can see nothing more than a sincere thank you note here. I do not think that, when people do take the time to write such a note, we should take the pen from them and insist on putting the note into our own words...

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · May 12, 2006

Try as I might, I can see nothing more than a sincere thank you note here. I do not think that, when people do take the time to write such a note, we should take the pen from them and insist on putting the note into our own words...

I guess I see the objectification because it's a pet peeve of mine. Think of it this way: when's the last time you heard someone thank all of the "handsome doctors and brilliant nurses?" No. Women tend to be valued for how they look, and men for what they do.

All that said...this isn't women's studies class. If I were one of his nurses I'd take his letter and feel a warm heart, happily knowing that he was saying a great big 'thank you' in his way.

tryingtomakeit, RN · May 12, 2006

I guess I see the objectification because it's a pet peeve of mine. Think of it this way: when's the last time you heard someone thank all of the "handsome doctors and brilliant nurses?" No. Women tend to be valued for how they look, and men for what they do.
All that said...this isn't women's studies class. If I were one of his nurses I'd take his letter and feel a warm heart, happily knowing that he was saying a great big 'thank you' in his way.

That is what I was trying to say, just another way of getting to it. He was thanking his doctors and nurses in his own way, and that is so much more than we get a lot of the time.

BTW, I work with three very nice looking doctors and they are always having women carry on over them! LOL They don't seem to mind at all.

epiphany · May 12, 2006

I think his statement does objectify the nurses. That said, his intent was sincerely good. I think we ought to understand where people are coming from (he's old school) and accept a compliment within the context of how it's meant (he clearly meant well). Accept the compliment because that's how he meant it and move on.
It's like the older men we deal with as patients. I don't get upset when they sometimes say things that are not ok nowadays...because they are just being old men and living how they know. Read from their context.
Now if someone in my personal life made a statement that objectified me...woe unto them!

I am not thinking he insulted his nurses. I think he made as statement that doesn't help nurses get more respect, and god knows we need that. And because this is another public statement, people will receive impressions even in subtle forms.

This form isn't even that subtle to me. Everyone will connect the "beautiful ladies" to nurses. It has the same impact as many other things in the media downplaying our role.

For some reason, many people are commenting that he's being sincere, it's a nice compliment, sure.. I've gotten many similar compliments before, but without disregarding that a patient or family is appreciating what I do, I can still see the nuance. Nuances shape minds.

This is not about Keith Richards.

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · May 12, 2006

I am not thinking he insulted his nurses. I think he made as statement that doesn't help nurses get more respect, and god knows we need that. And because this is another public statement, people will receive impressions even in subtle forms.
This form isn't even that subtle to me. Everyone will connect the "beautiful ladies" to nurses. It has the same impact as many other things in the media downplaying our role.
For some reason, many people are commenting that he's being sincere, it's a nice compliment, sure.. I've gotten many similar compliments before, but without disregarding that a patient or family is appreciating what I do, I can still see the nuance. Nuances shape minds.
This is not about Keith Richards.

I agree with alot of what you say. He's a rock star though. I'd focus my attention on those who perpepuate old stereotypes and should know better. A local hospital here is running billboards with "Our Angels." May I gag? What about those da Johnson and Johnson Discover Nursing commercials? That "I dare to care" mantra over and over. Those who should know better get my wrath.

psalm, RN · May 12, 2006

...some folks "can't get no satisfaction"

...and "this will be the last time"

..."because I used to love her, but it's all over now"

...Hope keith is feeling better, maybe he got some "mother's little helpers" when he was inpatient and forgot the appropriate terminology.

LoriAlabamaRN · May 12, 2006

I thought it was sweet! Beautiful doesn't just refer to outside appearances.

AussieTina · May 12, 2006

You know he also called New Zealanders "Kiwis"

Down here in this part of the world, New Zealanders are called Kiwis, I know lots of people from there and that is what they call themselves. Just like us Australians get called Aussies.

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · May 12, 2006

I thought it was sweet! Beautiful doesn't just refer to outside appearances.

I have to agree. Or, given my outward appearance, I have to hope that's what he meant. Rock on, Keith! :specs:

nursewannabee · May 12, 2006

Hi all,

I thought it was a heartfelt note. This man was probably very frightened at the thought of having surgery and in pain. He may be a rock god but, he is still only a man. I feel the note was written, in his own unique way, to thank the staff for helping him in his time of need.

I definitely take this as a compliment especially coming from Keith Richards. I really did not read anything that I would take offence to. The man is showing he has a heart under all of that rough exterior.

Peace and Grace

Katnip, RN · May 12, 2006

I would take it as a heartfelt compliment. How many of those do you get from patients? In writing, no less.

I bet he was using the term "beautiful" to mean the staff, who probably were all women were doing everything they could to make him comfortable as possible.

If I'd just had brain surgery, the people in control of keeping me out of pain would look pretty beautiful to me, too.