A good comment from one of my readers; thank you. Let me tell you why I gave my book, "Nursing: A Wicked Profession" such a controversial title.
People love controversy. That is a big part, in my opinion, why local and federal news programs focus more on "bad stories" than good ones. It is why series such as CSI survive so well on prime time television.
The 2 main sections of the book deal with, one, how "wickedly difficult" it is to practice this profession in a time when health care consumers are so educated, and so impatient and demanding. It also doesn't help that many employers prefer to look at patients as "consumers" of goods; the good, or service, of course being health care. The other main section of the book looks at the "wicked power" the nursing profession holds. A power that many nurses themselves have no real knowledge or handle on. Did you know that many nurses are inventors; that many items used in care facilities today are there because of the ingenuity of a nurse? Did you know nurses invented the first "crash cart"?
The beginning of the book does look at one more area of wickedness. I felt this was necessary in order for readers to know I was being totally honest in my stories. Most news coverage about nursing, and nurses, are stories that stem from some professionals who have used their position of trust and care to do harm to others. I don't spend a lot of time on this, nor do I try and make excuses for these actions, but I did feel it was necessary to address.
"Nursing: A Wicked Profession" is meant as a book in defense of one of the most powerful yet misunderstood professions around the world. I may no longer be practicing as a nurse but I whole heartedly will stand up in the defense of the profession, doing whatever I can to push it forward and help nurses stand with heads high and proud.
Wendy Getchell
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Nursing Fatigue and Patient Safety
So how does nursing fatigue affect patient safety?
This isn't new news for most of us, but at least this is an official report. I recommend all nurses ensure their local politicians get a copy, and read it. If necessary, you might want to remind them that they may be a patient in hospital some day. At this point in time it's almost a frightening prospect.
This isn't new news for most of us, but at least this is an official report. I recommend all nurses ensure their local politicians get a copy, and read it. If necessary, you might want to remind them that they may be a patient in hospital some day. At this point in time it's almost a frightening prospect.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
First Excerpt fron Nursing: A Wicked Profession
Introduction
The headlines report murder, theft, abuse, drug dealings and forgery. These are the stories most people read about nurses. Other headlines report breakdowns in negotiations between unions and health organizations, with threats of strike action. Still more stories revolve around patients appearing at hospital doors unable to make it inside without help, but being told to call 911. The public are being shown nurses who seem cruel, indifferent, greedy, lazy and power hungry.
Nurses are the largest body of health care professionals in North America and in most other countries as well. They are the backbone of every health care system, gluing all other parts together, providing support and strength in the care of health care consumers. Such news stories however create a very ugly picture of the profession. I’ve read some of the on-line comments to these stories which are mostly harsh, but justified. Media rarely presents all sides of the story however, just those that seem most news worthy. Controversy makes for great headlines
Personally, as a retired Registered Nurse, I am disgusted with such stories and believe there could not be any proper justification, even if I did listen to the other side of the story. I know that the temptations are real but that is no excuse for any nurse to misuse their position of trust. Some of the stories are really only half truths because most nurses will not speak up to clarify.
So are the public’s perception of nurses, the misunderstanding, are own fault? I would have to say yes.
If you would prefer this book in e-Book format, please visit Off The Book Shelf
The headlines report murder, theft, abuse, drug dealings and forgery. These are the stories most people read about nurses. Other headlines report breakdowns in negotiations between unions and health organizations, with threats of strike action. Still more stories revolve around patients appearing at hospital doors unable to make it inside without help, but being told to call 911. The public are being shown nurses who seem cruel, indifferent, greedy, lazy and power hungry.
Nurses are the largest body of health care professionals in North America and in most other countries as well. They are the backbone of every health care system, gluing all other parts together, providing support and strength in the care of health care consumers. Such news stories however create a very ugly picture of the profession. I’ve read some of the on-line comments to these stories which are mostly harsh, but justified. Media rarely presents all sides of the story however, just those that seem most news worthy. Controversy makes for great headlines
Personally, as a retired Registered Nurse, I am disgusted with such stories and believe there could not be any proper justification, even if I did listen to the other side of the story. I know that the temptations are real but that is no excuse for any nurse to misuse their position of trust. Some of the stories are really only half truths because most nurses will not speak up to clarify.
So are the public’s perception of nurses, the misunderstanding, are own fault? I would have to say yes.
If you would prefer this book in e-Book format, please visit Off The Book Shelf
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