I graduated with a Bacheloriate in Science in Nursing from a well-known University in Canada. An important part of the curriculum was teaching us that Nursing is a profession - one that we should be proud of. Now, many years later, I cynically snicker at this idea. Everyday I get up and put on my scrubs (making sure that they are the correct, designated color). I punch in like a factory worker. If the census is low, I am sent home like an expendable resource... I could go on, but if you're a Nurse, you know what I'm talking about.
This weekend, I got an even more bitter taste in my mouth. We found ourselves looking after a young woman who's medical issues extended far beyond Labor and Delivery, into the vast unknowns of cardiac and respiratory. Multiple tests were being done and Physicians we had never met were coming to the unit to see our patient. I began to notice something very strange. These Physicians did not even look at us. They did not speak with us, consult with us, or even acknowledge our presence! It was the freakiest thing ever. As L&D nurses, we are always very involved in our patient's care. We develop close relationships with our Physicians and are constantly discussing the plan of care. This time we were completely left out.
It occured to me that this must be how things are on other floors. Nurses are not considered a valuable resource, no matter how idealistic we would like to be. The state of Nursing disgusts me.
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