It's Monday!

The first day of the work week and I am already exhausted! Went to work today, a full eight hours I might add! And yes, my foot/toe is reminding me of that!

There was only one OR today, with a really great surgeon! But like most, he is a bit eccentric!?!? That is probably a good word to describe him! Don't get me wrong, I would let him operate on me for anything orthopedic in nature, as he is an truly great Surgeon. I have full faith and confidence in his abilities.

Yet as only a fellow nurse could comprehend... he has his quarks!

Tomorrow, I have been honored to Circulate a specific case! A fellow employee has asked me to be the Circulating Nurse for their husband, who will be having a complex surgery involving a total joint replacement! For those that may not understand, any surgery has risks and benefits. A lot of the risks are dependent on the Circulating OR Nurse... from the set-up, the pre-op, the skin prep, to the ongoing vigilance during the case... the Circulating Nurse has a lot of responsibilities, but also has a great accountability to insure that the case progresses safely! The Circulating Nurse has the ability and authority to stop a Surgeon, question a decision, make the final call on a breech of asepsis, and much, much more!

For an individual to request me as a specific person that they want to care for and be an advocate for their loved one, is an honor and a privilege to say the least! I will treat their loved one as I treat each and everyone of my patients! With the utmost respect, care, concern, and vigilance that I can muster!

This may be their husband, whom they love, honor and cherish... but, this is my patient! Who will be helpless and totally reliant on me for their safety and survival!

Which brings up another memory...

A long time ago, I was part of a group that was asked a "what if" question, regarding something that needed to be done, that we were not authorized to do. If we didn't do what needed to be done, the patient would die. If we did what needed to be done, the patient would live, but we would lose our license and ability to practice.

Before I tell you my answer, how would you answer this question or respond to the dilemma? Would you do something to save one individual life, never to be able to help another person; or would you not act, knowing that you would be able to influence and affect, potentially saving many more lives in the future?

Yes, a moral dilemma!

Think about it... I'll tell you how I responded later!