The Personal Side of Healthcare - From Nurse to Patient

The Importance of Regular Screenings

Dear Healthcare Professionals and Advocates,

Today, I share a more personal narrative in our Rescue RN newsletter, one that underscores the critical importance of health screenings from the dual perspective of a nurse and a patient.

Recently, my family experienced a profound loss due to undiagnosed late-stage cancer, a poignant reminder of what can happen when diseases go undetected.

The Personal Cost of Health Screenings

As a patient and a nurse, I've become meticulous about undergoing necessary health screenings. While these checks can be mentally, physically, and financially taxing, and admittedly come with a bit of worry, they are crucial. The recent lowering of the recommended age for a colonoscopy to 45 is a testament to this need—the disease does not wait, and neither should we. My brother was only 49.

My Journey Through the Healthcare System

Over the past few months, I have navigated the healthcare system firsthand, experiencing everything from mammograms and colonoscopies to skin screenings and subsequent procedures. Each visit has reinforced a vital truth:

Proactive health management is non-negotiable.

The Eye-Opening Experience of Being a Patient

Being on the other side of healthcare, as a patient, provides a stark view of today’s systems and processes. It offers invaluable insights into the interactions between nurses, providers, and patients. As a nurse, witnessing the journey from this angle highlights the critical need for patient advocates—without someone to navigate and interpret the complexities of healthcare, many could find themselves lost or overlooked.

Advocacy and Positivity in Healthcare

This experience has deepened my resolve to advocate not just for myself but for all patients. It's a call to action for each of us within the healthcare profession to promote regular screenings and to bring positivity into every interaction. Our healthcare system, burdened as it may be, needs us to be proactive, not just as caregivers but also as advocates and patients.

We Are All Patients

Let us not forget that at some point, we all step into the shoes of a patient. In doing so, we must remember the vulnerabilities and anxieties that come with that role. As healthcare professionals, let’s lead by example—get screened, encourage others to do the same, and continuously inject positivity into our spaces to uplift everyone who comes through our doors.

Be well, advocate fiercely, and cherish your health.

With heartfelt sincerity,

Susan Davis DNP

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Let’s commit to taking care of ourselves with the same vigor we use to care for others, ensuring we all lead healthier, more informed lives.