The nursing world is divided into one of two groups. Watchers and Doers.
Doers = Nurses who's hands actually touch the patients
Watchers = Managers, Supervisors, CNS, etc
Why is it that it always seems like becoming a watcher is considered "moving up". It seems to me that nurses who acturally touch patients are looked upon as the ditch diggers of the nursing world.
Realize this, patients are in the hospital because they need help. The kind of help they need requires hands touching them. If they didn't require hands touching them, then they wouldn't need to be in the hospital. That is where the rubber meets the road and the real "service" they are there for.
The service could continue with half as many watchers, but without Doers there is no service.
My point being is that "doing" ie doing actual patient care is where the rubber meets the road. Certainly .
The rubber meets the road in a lot of places ... and in a lot of different ways. The world is bigger and healthcare is much more complex than what you see from your particular viewpoint.
It's simply wrong to assume that others are less valuable and less worthy of respect than you are.
Isn't that what you are really saying ... that you and your work are all that matters ... and that nobody else matters? That's a terribly self-centered view of the world.
I never said that, nor did I imply that. The fact remains though, that without doers, there is no need for watchers.
Also the work goes on without watchers as evidenced by their absence on weekends and holidays. The work does not go on without doers.
llg might give up on this thread, but I'd like to throw an idea your way. Please note that although I reserve the right to take issue with how some watchers carry out their duties, I value their role. :)
I mentioned earlier about a new nursing-driven protocol in my facility. The old protocol has been problematic for everyone. Although bedside nurses will carry it out, none of us had the time to address the problem we've been harping about in the first place. That's one of the functions of management. Without management doing its job, our jobs are more difficult and more disorganized than they really need to be.
I think that is what some are trying to get across. Different roles, but all crucial for the patient.
It's simply wrong to assume that others are less valuable and less worthy of respect than you are.
I never said that, nor did I imply that.
Eh, except you kinda did. All of you phrases about doers doing the grit work and even the two terms you picked, with the nonbedside nurses as passive while bedside nurses do the Real Work.... I'm sorry, but I call BS on you not meaning to imply one is less valuable than the other.
Some watchers are exceptional and valuable. Unfortunately, when one of them pulls the whole team down we all feel the drag. I find those promoted quickly get indoctrinated into the watching system, so I can't say it's totally their fault. They do what they have to in the role they've been assigned.
That said, the Monday morning code reviews of last Saturday night's disaster could be just a smidge more humane. And mentioning that Joe Blow didn't get offered a warm blanket- could you unclench just a little?
It's simply wrong to assume that others are less valuable and less worthy of respect than you are.
I never said that, nor did I imply that. The fact remains though, that without doers, there is no need for watchers.
Also the work goes on without watchers as evidenced by their absence on weekends and holidays. The work does not go on without doers.
No ... without the managers, educators, accountants, etc. the direct patient care providers don't have jobs -- don't have a facility to work in -- don't have the supplies they need ... etc. ... and the patients don't get cared for. Both groups are needed.
The "watchers" as you call them are actually "doing" things that are necessary to get the care delivered. They may not be delivering that care themselves ... but if they stop "doing" their jobs, you lose yours ... and the patients don't get cared for. Be thankful they are there making it possible for you to complete the final step of delivering the care for the patient. The steps they completed to make it possible for you deliver care are also valuable.
llg, PhD, RN
13,469 Posts
The rubber meets the road in a lot of places ... and in a lot of different ways. The world is bigger and healthcare is much more complex than what you see from your particular viewpoint.
It's simply wrong to assume that others are less valuable and less worthy of respect than you are.
Isn't that what you are really saying ... that you and your work are all that matters ... and that nobody else matters? That's a terribly self-centered view of the world.