Doctors vs. nurses ??

[Crohn's Mom]

doctors vs. nurses ??

I've noticed we talk a lot about our GI or GP doctors on here, whether it be good, bad or indifferent.
But...how about our nurses ??
I have realized how intelligent and thoughtful Gab's GI (IBD) nurse is, I love talking to her and she is so knowledgeable and helpful. I think I almost prefer speaking to her most times over the doctor.

So how do others feel about their nurses ? I think they get passed over a bit too much...

 

[Sailorluna]

Honestly, I only ever talk to the Crohns Nurse. The only time I see the actual GI is when I have a procedure. She actually has the time to talk to you and seems to care about what you say.

 

[xoxava]

i absolutely LOVE my nurse she is sooo quick on answering my phone calls and any questions i may have. she is so sweet and caring. they really do seem to care about my well being and getting me feeling the best they can. i love this feeling.

 

[outlier]

I haven't really dealt with nurses with my crohn's

Nurse in hospitals give me a cold sweat. All I can think of is when I've had surgery waiting for them to respond to my call button because it was pain pill time and waiting for half the night. or waiting all night to go to the bathroom cause i couldn't stand up or even turn over myself.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/...s-cries-for-help/?scp=3&sq=nurses call&st=cse

 

[Jennifer]

Most of the nurses I've talked to don't know a heck of a lot and don't go out of their way to learn either. Maybe the ones around here are lazy these days. I used to have some pretty cool nurses when I was hospitalized as a kid but that's it. Everyone else just screws up an IV, shot or doesn't fax what I ask them to when I ask them to.

Edit: I had this one ask me which needle I wanted because I told them that the last one they used was far too large. Who asks a patient which needle is ok to use? Of course we'll pick the smaller one. He said, "it has to get into the muscle." Well then pick the needle that does that dummy.

 

[Rebecca85]

I love my IBD nurse! She is always the first person I contact if I have a problem. Not so keen on the ward nurses, not their fault but they're so overworked! Especially as some of the physically able patients use their call button for things like 'Can you pull my blanket up?' or 'I want the head of my bed lifting' (bearing in mind they're the powered ones where you just press a button). Or my favourite- 'nurse! What time is it?' '2 o'clock' (nurse leaves) 'nurse! Morning or afternoon?'

The night shifters are normally pretty good though, I guess they're less stressed then.

 

[peleburrows]

I've found the nurses to be really kind and pretty knowledgeable. The specialist doctor seems to know his stuff and doesn't talk down to me. Both I feel I can have a real discussion and get the best treatment. That said I'm really thankful for this forum to fill in the gaps.

However, the doctor's registrars (or junior doctors[?]) have been absolutely dire and every time, at least a dozen different ones, I feel like its been a total waste of time turning up for the appointment.

 

[shamrock15]

My remicade nurse is first class - could never ask for better. Some of the nurses on the hospital wards, post surgery, different story. I had to show one how to remove an abdominal drain. I had another one tell me all about her fabulous boyfriend moving in with her while I was busy bleeding into my abdomen (wish I was kidding about that). Give me ones who know how to do their job properly, we can be friends later...

 

[Jer's Girl]

While I think most Drs look at you as a problem that needs to be solved, nurses don’t have to figure out what is wrong with you, and therefore have an easier time seeing you as a person, rather than a symptom. At least that has been my experience.

Whereas my Drs have to tell me what to do (and always think they are right), nurses are there to make you feel better and make sure your needs are being met. A good nurse can be such a welcome sight when you are scared and need more than medicine to make you feel safe.

With the long hours, and some of the gross stuff they have to do, I think that being a nurse is one of those careers that is a calling rather than just a job.

I had one nurse after my surgery who spent so much time in my room trying to cheer me up and teach me how to deal with my Ostomy, that I could tell that he was just meant to be in that hospital, making patients stays easier, while also being honest with me about some of the struggles that I might face. I was in the hospital over ten times last year, and I had some amazing nurses and techs that really made me feel like I was going to be okay and someone actually cared about me as a person, not just a pile of broken intestines.

I have had some amazing Drs and surgeons, and some horrible nurses that didn’t seem to care at all, but for the most part, that is the difference that I see in the professions. The way they see you completely affects the way they treat you. I am eternally grateful to all of my Drs, but their bedside manner more often than not could use some work!

 

[DustyKat]

My kids have never really had an IBD nurse. They just sort of leave me to it..:wink:... I wonder why?

Matt had a fab case manager in RPA and I can't fault the kids GI and surgeons.

Dusty. :ybiggrin:

 

[AndiGirl]

I've had mixed experiences with nurses. Some of them are very kind and helpful. I have come across quite a few here in Alaska that don't seem to know about/ understand the nature of Crohn's Disease. When I was in the ER, one of the nurses who probably thought that I was out of earshot said, "Crohn's Disease! What the h@#$ is that?"