Nurses' Cap

A long time ago, in my nursing life, many of us were looking for a change in the rules for wearing a nursing cap. There were circumstances when the cap really got in the way.  We were not against anyone wearing a cap, just wanted to not be penalized for wearing it. 

A nursing cap meant many things and every nurse worked really hard for years to earn that cap; this reality was a given. No one would contest that. The big glitch was the fact that nursing staff was expected to wear their cap and if disobeyed, were labeled "insubordinate." The mandate was black and white.

Courtesy of Pixabay

Yes, according to the rules, many of us were "insubordinate" and against management, etc., etc. To make matters worse, Joint Commission was coming in a few weeks and wearing that cap needed to reflect the dress policy.  Joint Commission really shakes up an institution for days, weeks, and months ahead of their actual arrival, believe me!

Well,  an underground committee was formed. We heard threats if we were found out. Our jobs were on the line. We were making waves. In time we met with the nursing director. The bottom line was, "what do I do...it's in the policy to wear the cap!" Quietly I said, "change the policy." 

Why do I bring all this up?  I heard this same thing in the Breonna Taylor case last eve that according to the laws, the authorities judged the officers, with the conclusion we heard.  There are a lot of folks making waves throughout the country because of that verdict!

Why are some of the decisions in this country made the way they are?  Maybe it's time we all became critical thinkers, examined the laws and ask if it's time to change them to reflect a broader population, asking how we can bring more equitable justice into these laws. 

We now are more aware of injustices toward women, people of color, age, gender and religion; the list goes on and on!  Yes, peace is wonderful, riots and destruction hurt, but what is the much bigger issue underneath it all.  lt's about time we stopped focusing on black, brown, white, red or blue. 

Then, maybe the populations will calm down, get along and peace will reign if they know they are heard and taken seriously.  The protests are not Democrat or Republican, they are a sign that something much deeper must be dealt with. The nursing cap, dissents, protests...no one is being insubordinate! The unrest is just the tip of the ice berg. It's about time someone listens and takes action on the bigger issues! 

Home

I just returned from a trip to Ohio, my home state.  It has been two years since I had "gone home" so this trip was one I really was looking forward to. I visited all those family and friends that mean so much to me but the pandemic really throws a curve ball in many directions that I hadn't even considered before.  

Y Bridge Zanesville, Ohio

First of all, I wore a mask inside and out, no matter who I was around. It indeed was a "pain" and I easily could have let my guard down and used an excuse to not wear it but my only thought was that I was the outsider and would not forgive myself if someone got sick because of me.

Others had the same concern, which I thoroughly understood. This in itself was enough for me to actually cut some of my plans short, not wanting to expose anyone to something that I may unwittingly transmit.  Yes, this trip was different but my mask, keeping a safe distance and washing my hands often made all the difference. 

This whole past year has thrown all of us a curve ball and the way we do things has changed, too.  Many fight it and argue against safeguards to keep each of us safe.  I get it. However, when I see the numbers continuing to increase I ask myself "why are others so resistant?"  I don't want to harbor in place; I don't want to feel like a prisoner that can't go out. 

So, why not use the safeguards that the scientists have explained to us that work?  It may be just what is needed to stop the ravaging effects of this pandemic.  One other thing on my trip: there was no mention of Democrat or Republican when it came to wearing the mask, from me or others!  It is a medical situation, not political. So, "going home" was still a wonderful trip. Different or not.