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CUTTING REMARKS
Lasix may be a helpful adjunct to this patient's care."
Boy, did she get me through that month! Not only was this nurse talented
and beautiful, but she even snickered at my one-liners. Whatever it took, this
woman would be my wife.
4 great lessons
After 27 years of marriage, my favorite nurse continues to instruct me in
the art of medicine. To wit:
•
Slow down.
Marie continually reminds me that we're in the zone when
we're truly present to our patients. Type A behavior violates our patients' dig-
nity and impairs our clarity. We can't process what patients tell us when we
act like ferrets on espresso.
•
Touch and engage every patient.
The woman awaiting shoulder surgery is
not "the rotator cuff in room 3," but rather someone's wife or mother. A
simple touch or smile does wonders for healing.
•
Follow protocol.
My wife has a PhD in compliance. Hand washing, sterile
technique, timely records and precise medication dosing are matters of rou-
tine. There are no shortcuts when it comes to patient care.
•
Advocate for patients … always.
Marie had no trouble speaking up to
overbearing surgeons when they were wrong. There is only one right way
and we owe it to our patients and ourselves to speak up when proper care
may be compromised.
And quite a looker, too
Nursing is the most honorable and noble of professions. I am a lucky man
to have landed a classic, a woman of principle — dedicated to doing what
is right and just for her patients. And it helps that she is still easy on my
eyes!
OSM
Dr. Kelly (
johndak 4@g mail.com
) is an orthopedic surgeon/ sports-shoulder spe-
cialist who practices in Philadelphia, Pa.
