Being Present

I have always known that it is important for nurses to be present, or should I say in the present? Life it seems can pass you by and decisions can be made that may not seem to have a huge impact, however like the "butter fly effect" not being present can have unknown consequences and impacts to the health of your society.

As many know, I believe that we are all more than "just a nurse". Our hard work impacts health care and the various jobs that we have chosen to peruse and develop. These accomplishments are just the tip of the ice berg in terms of our success. I love being a nurse and I believe it is that perspective that gives me insight on even the most random of subjects. Take for instance the "employee handbook".

In addition to being a veteran, an ED nurse, a full time graduate student, sister, daughter, girlfriend and friend, I am a board member for a wonderful non-profit that seeks to help children and their families that are experiencing homelessness. Check out: Cuidando Los Niños if you want more information: http://clnkids.org/

I usually work on advocacy and out-reach, and serve as a "connector" (read http://www.gladwell.com/tippingpoint/tp_excerpt2.html ). I give the elevator speech and work to get donations, sponsors and anything else I can for Cuidando, but in addition to being aboard me member I serve on the Executive Committee. Our task from the interim Executive Director was to review the employee handbook.  So in-between triage classes, an advanced EKG workshop and case studies I sat pen in hand and poured over the handbook. 

I have yet to write an employee handbook, however I am skilled in "the joint commission" , "OSHA", "preventive medicine” as well as "infection control" "Evacuation plans and Fire Drills" (thank you OIF and OEF).

As I started to pour over each section I found myself actually having input on several areas: credentialing, performance evaluations, reimbursements, holiday schedules, PTO, leaves of absence, property books, dress codes, attendance and illness. Not too bad, if I do say so myself.

I also took the liberty to change some verbiage from physician to provider. Yes it may seem small in terms of grammatical ways, however it terms of the education I am about to complete (at least at my Master’s Level)and  it is important to me that an employee be able to see a mid-level provider (NP or PA) in addition to a physician.  

I clarified the emergency evacuation program, and to tip the entire butterfly effect off I asked for specific verbiage regarding employee health and vaccinations. Warning to all you who do not believe in vaccines I do (.) If we can prevent out breaks of pertussis and the flu (to name only a few) and save lives as well as prevent costly hospital stays, especially for children and infants (who when sick are not only high risk but incur potentially worse outcomes and health discrepancies) then not only will I take the Flu shot that I don’t like, but I will ensure my immunizations are up to date as well. (Wow that was a long run-on sentence…I will step off the box now…)

The thing is, in retrospect none of these items are huge by any means, however being present at the meeting, having that knowledge and insight is what is important. So to all my friends who are amazing nurses and think they are “just” anything, remember you  ARE Nurses and that is why they should always be present.