During the last week we have read and heard a lot about Joy Behar’s comments showing her lack of knowledge about what nurses do. I would like to add my voice to that conversation. I hear from nurses who do not fully appreciate who we are. I cringe every time I hear “I am just/only a nurse.” Maybe it is the way we have been socialized or maybe we are perpetuating the messages delivered via the media. I believe we have a responsibility to set the records straight by educating those who show how misinformed they are. I like to remind my peers that we are way, way more that ‘only or just’ a nurse. We are nurses 24 hours and day, 7 days a week, and 52 weeks are year. No matter what our area of practice may be, we do, offer, and provide so much to patients, their families and loved ones, and the public.
I like to share what I experience and how I try to inform others. I have been a registered nurse for more than 40 years and I am the proud recipient of a Master of Science decree. Most of my time has been in leadership/administrative/consultation roles. People will often refer to me as a ‘paper pusher nurse’ because I am not at the bedside. That is what is so wonderful about our chosen profession – we can choose the path we will walk. In any of my roles, I get to impact nursing care provided to clients on a much broader scale. The policies and laws that I’ve be involved in have made a difference in the lives of many nurses and the patients they serve. (I use the word serve because I believe we are servants and that is a good thing). I sat at the table with the law makers, assisted in writing the speeches they would deliver, served as the staff person for studies to gather and process data related to patient care. I guided my peers on journeys to develop policies and to take action for the advancement of the profession and patient care.
Oh, by the way, I have NEVER started an IV; I am an advanced practice nurse in psychiatric mental health nursing, so what I do is equally important to our profession. When I practice I bring a different skill set to the discussion. I get to assess a person’s mental and emotional pain. I offer support, encouragement, and hope. I help clients explore options for life and living. I manage medications and provide continuous teaching to help clients understand the importance of medication and how it can improve the quality of their lives. I sit with clients, I hold their hand, and I listen to them. I have the time which is one of the ways I support my peers who provide the physical care.
I agree that Ms. Behar’s total lack of knowledge is something that we needed to address. However, I believe we must continue informing the public about what we do and all of the different levels and areas of practice available to us. I am not just/only a nurse – I am proud to be an advanced practice registered nurse who has had multiple positive experiences and opportunities. I know I have helped patients, peers, decision makers and the public and I continue to enjoy the privileges afforded me by my profession.