As nurses we are routinely exposed to bizarre occurrences. However, due to the habitual nature of these occurrences we seldom realise just how strange a working environment the medical field is.
it is a rarity as a professional to have such a close relationship with your “clientele”. We routinely probe our patients with regards to the intimate details of their lives, relationships , partners and finances; there really is no stone left unturned. No doubt a good social history is of immense value, however as we ask these questions on a daily basis it is easy to forget just how unnatural it is to expect one to divulge such information to a complete stranger. And when you think about it, the task of attempting to gain a perception of an individual’s life within a brief consultation seems unrealistic, especially with time never being on the side of the nurse.
Examination is yet another routine procedure, and as a student having examined numerous patients it all seems fairly standard. But when carrying out such procedures, how often do we stop to think about just how strange it must seem to a patient to have their finger pricked, and their blood pressure measured. Just contemplating more intimate procedures really does highlight the point im trying to make. i was once told by a patient who had undergone a digital rectal examination that it was the most “humiliating” experience of his life, but how often do we as students stop to think about the extent to which we are invading a patients personal space when we examine them? indeed, the first time you are involved with any such intimate assistance (such as a bed wash) it may seem overwhelming. soon however, any feelings of embarassment begin to fade. You learn in Nursing to put aside your own sentiments for the sake of professionalism, and to act like a nurse.
This brings me nicely onto my next point; who would have thought when joining nursing school that a large portion of your time would be spent acting? we are all taught how to “play the part” of a good nurse; we are taught empathy, body language and much as an actor memorises their lines we learn to recite a long detailed script of how to take an accurate nursing assessment. At this point the dreaded word “OSCE” probably springs to mind. Having to demonstrate empathy with an actor playing the part of a distressed patient, whilst being observed closely by an examiner sitting less than a metre away, assessing your body language, facial expressions, tone of voice and appropriateness of language. is this really the best way of assessing an individuals skills or would a less contrived situation, which does not rely on theatrical ability, be more appropriate?
My intention in writing this blog is not to criticise but simply to highlight the unique and delicate nature of what nurses strive to accomplish. By simply being aware of the bizarre nature of some of the things that we do, and by not succumbing to the nurse-only world of jargon and desensitisation, we can be more humble and successful in what we do.
