Just randomly remembered my first 911 call as a new grad EMT-B (before med school). This was back in 2008. We brought in a lady from SNF. I didn't really know how to do all the medical documentation and my partner's response was "don't worry about it you'll be fine."
We got to the ER and I was unprepared. My partner told me to present to the ER RN. I didn't know what to say and my voice was shaking a little bit. I just started saying things that I thought were helpful. Then I went into home meds and allergies, that's when it got really bad.
I said the patient "had an allergy to NKDA" and in front of the patient the ER nurse, the ER tech and my partner busted out laughing at me. I was able to hold back tears and decided the right thing to do was to laugh too and I didn't know what was wrong.
I don't know why this memory came back to me today but there's a reason why I care so much about medical education and being good to our fellow healthcare workers.
If you respect medicine, you always have this lingering question about what you don't know or what could make you look stupid, and it's humbling.
I came up with my own philosophy when it comes to working with other HCWs (especially non physician medical people) is TASK.
.
TRUST
APPRECIATION
SUPPORT
KINDNESS
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TRUST
APPRECIATION
SUPPORT
KINDNESS
Let's be better to our learners and new grads. We can end the toxic cycle.
