Pandora's Box

Okay, I don't think I've said much about my job on this blog - ever - despite the reference to it in my URL. In fact, I only recall mentioning it in regards to skateboarding there and back (which I haven't been doing lately, having fallen into a lazy routine capitalizing on the incredible ease of public transit in San Francisco). Anyway... I just need to vent a little today about one aspect of my job. ;-)

So... You may have heard a thing or two about surgeons. The stereotype being, of course, that they are arrogent, self-centered and not the least bit oriented towards interacting with other human beings (outside of cutting into them, of course). Well...

Today, I was involved in a discussion of whether or not a patient should have a procedure done (yes, a surgical procedure). The debate was rather messy as the patient and the patient's son were both refusing the treatment, against multiple physicians' advice.

So... this is one of the reasons why I am a medical nurse, as opposed to a surgical nurse: The medicine doc involved in this conversation was torn, knowing the procedure was in the patient's best interests, but wanting to respect the patient's right to choose what procedure(s) he/she wanted. There was a law passed called the Self-Determination Act that requires doctors to respect their patient's wishes. Despite the law being in existence and despite the patient's firm decision, the surgeon said that the decision should not be left up to the patient. He stated, "The [surgeon] knows best and therefore 'he' should have the final decision." I put 'he' in quotes to emphasize this surgeon's apparent gender-biases, as well. What a winner - this surgeon!

Admittedly, if I was to undergo a dangerous surgery, my doctor's surgical skills would be more important to me than her or his personality. Though I have to say, I did have one minor surgery. And, in fact, I felt much more relaxed and trusting because that surgeon was a rarity in his phenomenal interpersonal skills. Though his confidence in his abilities didn't hurt either. ;-)

That said, I am very grateful that my job requires minimal interactions with surgeons. Medical doctors, on the other hand, are almost always quite likeable. So, despite this little vent, I am feeling quite fortunate.