Personal Narrative: My Experience As An Orthopedic Nurse

I have worked as a CNA since November 2016 and I have shadowed an orthopedic surgeon, thus I could observe and understand the healthcare field from the perspective of patients with chronic illnesses and members of the healthcare team, including nurses, nurse assistants and physicians. Through these experiences I saw how the healthcare team improves the quality of life of people on a daily basis. Yet, I also perceived potential problems that limited the extent and scope in which the healthcare team can help patients. I realized that the healing process depends not only on the health care provider, but also on the patient. So, if after an orthopedic surgeon skillfully performs a total knee replacement surgery, a patient does not perform the exercises required to regain mobility or take the medication required, the patient would be at a risk, maybe being worse off that she or he initially was.
If the work environment is toxic, if the employee is not qualified or if there is an unaddressed conflict between members of the team, patients could be at risk. Thus, physicians should be concerned both about their patients and about other individuals who are responsible for the care of patients. Thus, nurturing dialogue and a healthy work environment is key to overcome potential problems in the medical practice. I also learnt the importance of humility. Although patients often have an image of omniscient doctors, who are ready to quickly solve their health issues, physicians are not all-knowing entities and should not be worried about asking second opinions or help from colleagues. During the morning conferences at the San Francisco General Hospital, I saw how the cooperation between attendings, residents and nurses improved the care of patients, as the participants in the conference welcomed ideas and comments that could help treating or diagnosing the