The Cultures of Nursing

You could keep going with this as far as I'm concerned. The most interesting thing I have read in a long time. I really want to know more. What things were the same and "part of the worldwide culture of nursing"? I find this very fascinating like I'm reading a novel. I picture cobblestones and green grass on your way to the hospital. Was the tea served in china?

Hi...love your post. I am scottish and this sounds so familiar!Before I went on to train as a nurse I spent 8 years working as a nursing assistant in a hospital just like that with the florence nightingale wards. Loved it. The hospital that I worked in has been demolished and a new purpose built one has been erected.....there has been positive and negatives with that. Could this hospital have been in Aberdeen, locals there refer to sweets (candy) as lollies. Ohh and I 'ken' wot u mean about the lingo...lol, even I had problems catching what was being said at first and I am scottish, lol!!!

great article.I'm Australian, and always laugh when american friends talk about taking a patients 'vitals'...lol Here we call them "obs" observations.and E'K'G?????? K for cardiac?no ecg here!lolit's fun

This story would make a great movie!

When i was reading your article i was hoping that it happened a long time ago (i mean decades). The scenario you have described was a bit scary. If it took place in a third world country I probably would understand where you're coming from but i don't think Scottland is a poor country. If what you've experienced happened just recently then I guess I would never want to practice outside the U.S.

There are some hospitals that have these issues in the UK but generally they don't. A lot will depend on the age. I wouldn't use this as something to say not work outside of the US as many experiences can make many changes to your life and how you work

What a great story! I love learning about different cultures. It's definately an eye opener to how spoiled/lucky we are here in the U.S.I am w/ bestbabynurse...keep it comin'.

It was awhile ago, but I loved the experience. I learned alot about myself and that American nursing is just that, it is a blend of nursing culture and American culture. I've also worked in American hospitals in rural areas that do not have alll the technology and glitz and the nursing care is very good.

Hey jttweediewhat a great post. You have highlighted something very important but not highly valued, that is the need to experience different healthcare cultures, which could be another ward, hospital or country. It is only then that we can appreciate what what we may have had elsewhere or what we have now. Another benefit from working at St Elsewhere (with apologies to the '80s show of dubious benefit) is learning how to solve the same problems in a different way. This vital practice knowledge is unspoken and hardly ever documented but more disturbing undervalued and over-looked. I would echo the sentiments of previous posters in saying I would love to here more. Perhaps an article in the Nurse-zine newsletter or even a blog!cheers from down underFINGERS CROSSED FOR HEATH LEDGER AT THE OSCARS TOMORROW NIGHT!

ITA with the others. Keep it coming.

Well written with felt emotions... i love to hear about nursing stories coming from somewhere else. Problems are solved in different ways.

Thank you for your observation on the cultures of Nursing. I thoroughly enjoyed your description of that hospital in Scotland.