I must be an atypical nurse. Working on the front lines I listened to the docs that spent 12-16 hours caring for the covid patients when things ramped up in 2020. They went home exhausted, but still reaching out to see what was working and what wasnt; then, coming back the next day and sharing their information. I did the same thing...I hunted & researched for "truths". Then, protocols and algorithms were issued by the FDA, NIH, CDC, WHO, yetta yetta. The docs didn't have to think anymore...follow the protocol. I watched; I observed. I saw trends...what was working (sometimes) and what wasn't working. When the talk of a vax was announced, I had co-workers chomping at the bit; I decided I would wait. First, I don't want to take that opportunity away from someone that feels that strongly about it. Secondly, I wasn't convinced that the vax was not part of the "trick". I am NOT vaxed and I am content with my decision.
Do I self-diagnose? Sometimes. You are the best witness of your symptoms and what you are experiencing. I did diagnose my husband with Lyme disease when the docs missed it/misdiagnosed it; I did diagnose my husband with laryngeal sensory neuropathy after doing extensive searching which allowed him to be treated appropriately by our PCP after I sent him several articles about the issue. I even met the ENT doc that had an article published by ENT Today that named and described the problem along with publishing the treatment.
It seems as though most of you regard nurses as "awake". Why? And, you assume that the amount of education equals intelligence and common sense. I have learned (especially in the last 3 years) that the length of education doesn't equate intelligence and common sense.
Am I arrogant? No. Am I pushy? Absolutely! I am YOUR BIGGEST ADVOCATE! If I believe you are being mis-managed, I will be the biggest PIA on your behalf.
To give you an example, I was recently doxed (based on my posts on this site) because I defied a doctor's orders. I had a conversation with the doc; I shared my concerns for this patient. I was reported to my boss...and then, I recd a "Consumer Complaint" from the Attorney General's Office that I was a "danger to patients".
At first, I was naive enough to think the incidents were not connected. As I delved into deeper, I am sure it was initiated by the doctor via someone else. I stand by my decision. My observations are: it doesn't matter what occupation you are in, you can be just as clueless! You either question things or not. You look for answers or you wait for someone to hand-feed them to you. Most of you should realize that "dumbing down" the education system was not limited to elementary, secondary, and high school, but higher education as well....just saying as a nurse.