Most people can attest to the fact that it is no easy task to navigate the health care system. Consumers find that the terminology is confusing and medications with complicated names can be extremely frustrating. Being a nurse in these situations can be a benefit.
Aside from the personal benefits of being a nurse, there are a few things we take for granted. As a nurse, there are everyday fears that we have overcome that most nurses don’t think about.
Doctors aren’t scary
There are people who are afraid of the doctor. A syndrome called the white coat syndrome that has physical symptoms affects some people. This is a treatable phenomenon and while it is not a serious condition it is worrisome. While there are a few doctors that can be difficult to work with the majority of nurses don’t have that anxiety when speaking with our health care provider. We speak and understand their language.
Medical emergencies are not scary
Nurses are trained in basic life support. Many nurses have advanced training in trauma and other serious health care situations. When a medical emergency occurs we are prepared at the most basic level to handle it. Our education and training are always with us and we use it almost daily.
Medicines aren’t scary
One of the hardest courses in nurses training is pharmacology. Medications have trade names and generic names and may have several names. Thankfully we now have cell phones with apps that make it easy to look up any medication. This one tool has made giving and taking medications less scary. It used to take months to learn and understand medications but we now have a formulary at our fingertips.
Hospitals aren’t scary
I had a friend who would begin to hyperventilate and turn pale when he entered a hospital. Thankfully as nurses, the apprehension disappears as you train and learn it is actually a place of healing. It is second nature to walk into any medical facility.
The news isn’t as scary
We live in an age where “fake news” is rampant on social media and other forms of communication. Today in the news are reports that we have an “epidemic” of unvaccinated individuals leading to a measles outbreak. This the type of news scare and health recommendation that gives nurses some pause. Nurses know the difference between evidence-based research-based and sensationalism. We look to validate the news and make an informed, evidence-based decision. A nurse is not influenced by what “sounds good.”
Fear is a strong word and maybe you would rather say they do not have an understanding of the unknown.
When trying to recruit someone into nursing you might share these little perks of the job. I know being a nurse has made life a little easier especially when I had children at home.
If you are thinking of becoming a nurse you might also want to think about travel nursing and the many perks if offers. If you are already a nurse take a look at our list of agencies that can help you get started.
