I admit, I am an "old man," as a mid 20's coworker jokingly referred to me as... I am actually old enough to be their father... now that's humbling. I can only imagine what my older peers think, when they are working with me!
It is a continuum. Elders passing along knowledge, challenging, allowing exploration, and just watching. Sometimes someone comes up with an idea... that is when I revert to the Two Rules:
First, don't kill anyone.
Second, if you don't know ask!
Surprisingly, this is not limiting at all. The effect is that it makes one critically evaluate things. And this is good. I have had doctors ask me questions about proposed treatment pathways! Ultimately, it leads to a truly collaborative approach to the task at hand. Especially when I am old enough to be their father...
It is not my actual age however, it is my experience. And I fully admit it works both ways. An "old dog" can be taught new tricks! That's what keep me young. I learn something new everyday!
I am a front line individual. Academics teaches the basics... bedside and doing, teaches reality! The hardest transition a nurse has, is the movement from theory to practice. I share freely; I give my interpretation, and suggestions. Yes, sometimes I am wrong, yet the Two Rules always protect the charge...
Isn't that what it is all about?
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