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Matt's avatar

I've had the opposite experience. In my almost 10 years of nursing, people are increasingly bringing their politics into a routine ER encounter.

We used to ask folks who the President is to determine if they are confused. Now half the time you get, "Trump, because Biden stole the fucking election."

Or asking people to please secure their firearms with security before visiting or being seen. You would think we'd asked them to pre-sever their limb.

I have been assaulted many times and I know my chances of being held hostage at work are only ever increasing.

Oddly enough, it doesn't make me fear the election more. I have learned that I can't control anyone else's behavior, which means it's not my fault. That means I come first. So I pour my energy into my off time, my hobbies and the things that matter to me. And anyone who wants to kill or injure me will receive consequences.

The bean counters in admin might call me "burned out." I think I'm just a person with a realistic view of my job.

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John Shore's avatar

Matt, your comments are so deep, insightful, and thoughtful. An amazing perspective! And you're so right, of course: people can be SO gnarly. I didn't have the time or space to kind of express in my piece what you're saying here, and I may have given the impression--well, I know I did--that the PEOPLE I deal with everyday are, somehow, kind and gentle. Not exactly, as you know. So many people are just . . . you know: bombastic and impatient and insanely entitled. But somehow that works for me, too. It's weird.Anyway, I help people with their doors and windows; you help them with their Actual Health! It's amazing what you do. Nurses are a special breed. Thank God for them/you.

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SPW's avatar

Great piece. As usual you are right on too. So glad you found HD, a change of pace and some peace.

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John Shore's avatar

A change of pace and some peace! That's the perfect way of saying it. Thanks as ever, SPW!

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