Two years ago, I started this blog as a place to share my thoughts on the disparaging remarks made by the women on the talk show The View about nurses. Back then, I believed we, nurses, were on the path to educating the public as to what nurses do. Unfortunately, that has not progressed as much as I had dreamed of.
When the ANA posted a video of a Utah nurse being intimidated and arrested for advocating for an unconscious severely injured patient, I was outraged. How could this happen? I joined in on Facebook with strong remarks and a posting of my own.
I was dumbfounded that this story was delivered nearly last on the national news, behind gas prices and another tragic frat hazing. It seemed like the network executives threw that in, and only because it was blowing up on social media.
Think about this: what if you were that man burned and unconscious in a hospital? A police officer arrives demanding to take your blood sample. You are not under arrest, there is no court ordered warrant. You cannot give consent even if you were asked.
You can and should expect your nurse to protect you and your rights. That is what Alex Wubbels did. And for that she was manhandled and handcuffed. Then, a police supervisor arrives and continues to intimidate her, insisting he knows more about the law and she should do what she is told.
I feel we were watching 2 men who felt their badge gave them authority that should not be questioned. If they were within their rights, why did they not wait for the hospital legal and administrative team arrive to discuss?
I believe this is not only a gender issue, but an issue of hierarchy. I can only wonder if they would have treated a male doctor with the same disrespect. Nurses and women have not gained the respect they deserve in our society. We need to make it clear we will not stand for this.
All nursing organizations, like the ANA and the Utah Nurses organization, need to publish very strong statements criticising this behavior and demand protection of nurses advocating for patients. Law enforcement organizations should acknowledge that this is NOT acceptable behavior.
Legislators, you must create laws protecting nurses. By doing so, you protect your constituency. This is about making hospitals safe havens for the most vulnerable, the sick and injured.
I hope we don't have to organise a march of the stethoscope wearing 3 million strong who not only give comfort but protect you when you need it most. But we will, if that is what it takes to keep our patients safe.
