by Lynda Lampert

Created on: September 13, 2009

I am just your average nurse, just minding my own business most of the time, but if I had the opportunity to speak to a group of doctors - or even to just one doctor who was really interested - I would tell him or her these things straight from my heart.

First, I know that you've been through a lot of schooling and are incredibly smart. I know the esteem that society holds for you, but I am pretty darned smart, too. I have had late night study sessions and have sweated over the dummies in the AP lab. I certainly did not learn science to the same degree you did, but I did study it. I also possess basic common sense - more so than average or I would not be trusted with the lives of 8-9 patients. Please don't speak to me like I am a child. I know when my patient is having problems. I know it is not a good idea to push a diuretic on a patient with a low BP. Please don't act like you know everything and like I am some mindless automaton who is merely your patient's babysitter. Not only am I capable of caring deeply for my patients, but most of the time I can figure out what is wrong with them before you can. Respect my intelligence.

Second, I know that it really stinks when patients go south. Believe me, I have had more than my fair share. However, it is not my fault that they are taking a turn for the worse. Very likely, it isn't even your fault. Getting angry with the concerned messenger is not going to make the patient any better. If they have to be transferred back to the ICU, this is not a reflection of your care. This is a sick patient who is following a disease course. Please don't take this unfortunate event out on me.

Third, you know, we have a lot of protocols that we have to follow as nurses. If someone's troponins come back elevated for a third time or a critically low potassium has not been addressed since the morning, then we have to call you for those things. We don't like it any more than you do. If you wanted telemetry and did not specifically order it, we're going to have to call you in the middle of the night to get the order whether it makes you happy or not. Please do not tear us a new one when we are only doing our jobs. It is not our fault that it is policy and we have to call. Take it up with our manager some time, but do not berate the nurse for clarifying what you "obviously" meant. Should something go wrong with that patient because we did not act, we would be the ones to lose our jobs.

Fourth, realize that your patients are likely afraid

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