Only a Nurse Can Make You a Better Doctor

I remember a long time ago when I was starting my first day as a young resident, I was petrified, I was confused - damn I didn't know what to do! Because let's face it, when you graduate from medical school, you know diddlysquat. You may know terms and definitions, but you certainly don't know medicine - and here you are, day one, July 1st, being left to take care of real people in a real clinical setting. Now you all know I always have a flare for drama, and I'm never too shy to ask for help, so I did something that many physicians fail to admit.

I began to identify and socialize with senior nurses in the hospital from the operating room all the way to the ER. And I basically asked them to take my under their wings and teach me the ropes. That initial experience created such a foundation in my character as a doctor, that I tell this story to all my students. I tell them go see your nurses - they taught me things that are not in medical textbooks. They taught me technique, they taught me compassion. Throughout the years nurses roles have evolved, creating very positive alternatives for tasks many doctors don't want to do or don't have the time to do today.

The days where a nurse had to wear a nursing hat and stand up when a physician walked through the door are long gone. These men and women are now part of medical teams, contributing vital care which has brought America to the forefront of medicine around the world. Many hospitals around the country have gone after the coveted ANCC Magnet Recognition Program. In order to meet the criteria for this program, a hospital and nursing staff have to demonstrate the highest degree of quality and performance, and the continuing effort to make their trade a tool of excellence.

So I'll say it again: Only a nurse could have made me the kind of doctor I am today, so make sure to thank a nurse because many times, that's the most precious payment they will ever get.