I don’t find a pattern to this at all. Of course most nurses think that this is true because of the horrible sexist history Male Doctors and Female Nurses. I mean we all have either heard or experienced this to a degree. I’ve had both instances happen to me. The MD would talk directly to me, then the next situation would be the MD speaking to the female nurse who is not taking care of the patient at hand. I personally feel it is a matter of perception and delivery. We all have a ‘hard-wired’ perception of a given situation (male nurse, female nurse, male MD, female MD). I think we have the power to change or influence one’s perception (even our own) by how we perform as a professional. Stand your ground, know your responsibilities, master your skills, and you will be of value to anyone and everyone.

If and when the situation does arise, I correct it immediately. I have this problem. I have a big mouth and a passion for my profession, including all who participate in it. The only way to effect change, is to be a part of the change.

2.  What’s your least favorite thing about your job?

The MIDNIGHT SHIFT! I avoid it all costs. My body just does not handle me messin’ with my Circadian Rhythm. Working 1 night shift takes me 4 days to get through it and recover from it. Yeah, it’s bad.

3.  What is your “dream” nursing job?  Why?

Hmm, “dream” nursing job? I can’t say I have one of them yet. I’m still exploring and being the sponge for new information and experiences. I guess if I had one, it would involve not worrying so much about money.

4.  Lots of hilarious “black humor” type stuff happens every day when you’re a nurse–what was the funniest thing that’s happened to you?

This is one of those things where, “you had to be there’. I have a ton of those stories, but none of them would make any sense if I tried to describe them. We nurses, heck all healthcare professionals, develop this really ‘sick’ sense of humor and find the most mundane and ultimately disgusting or disturbing things and incidents funny. Unless you walk in our shoes, and see the things we see, from our perspective, none of it is really funny. We on the other hand run the risk of wetting our pants sometimes from laughing so hard.

5.  You’ve been drafted.  What do you do on the last day before you deploy?

Engulf myself with as many friends and family as possible and spend every waking moment with my wife.

Want to be part of it?  Follow these instructions:
1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.”
2. I will respond by e-mailing you 5 questions.  I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them 5 questions.

Carpe Diem