Unexpected Appreciation From CRNA
Friday at work, I was on the elevator and another employee came on. She asked me where I was from. Then she read my badge and said, “Ohh pharmacy! You are important!!” I said, “Aww you’re so kind! Thank you so much! That’s one of the nicest things anyone has said to me! What department are you from?” I then saw she was a CRNA. I said, “You my dear, are super important!!” She smiled and said, “Well, without you, I couldn’t do my job.” I just paused and looked at her and I said, “I really appreciate that and I appreciate you for saying that. Thank you!” She exited the elevator and we both wished each other a great remaining shift and weekend ahead. I’ve never had an interaction like that before. It was really heartwarming!!
I feel like our work is often unappreciated and we are devalued. Like we “just count pills” and it’s all mindless work. Sometimes, when I’m out amongst other hospital staff, I feel like I’m just in the way. While restocking an Omni Cell Wednesday, I had a nurse say, “Oh hurry up girl!!” She didn’t think I could hear her through the door, but she was mistaken. If I had known she needed on, I would have gladly gotten out of the way. I always ask nurses that are near the Omni Cell if they need anything before I start a sizable restock and if a nurse enters during, I immediately ask if they need to get on. I never give attitude about it and when they apologize, I always reassure them that it’s no problem at all and I’m always happy to jump off for them. So that comment was really off putting. I let her know when I exited the room that next time, she can just let me know she needs to get on and I’ll happily move out of her way. She turned about 5 shades of red and kinda laughed awkwardly. On Friday, a different nurse asked me if I was the one she said that to and I said yes. She said, “Please don’t let that bother you. You are wonderful. Just ignore her.” So she must just be that type of person.
Anyway, I just wanted to share that experience with y’all. Both nurses, but two completely different experiences between the two. Not that I think everyone in nursing is the same, but I do think a lot of times, there are generalizations made in healthcare when there shouldn’t be. There are some that do appreciate our work and feel that we contribute to the patient care process. 💜🩵