It's difficult to process it's been more than 8 months into COVID-19 and there is still so much turmoil involved with this virus. As many others have experienced, I have cancelled so many plans until the end of the year. My fingers are crossed (along with my eyes, ankles, and anything else I can cross) in hopes that 2021 will be more forgiving.
By the time this article is read by our members, there will be a result from the Presidential election, and I am certain much chaos aligned with that. I urge everyone to practice patience and tolerance no matter what side you are on. We all have common goals to live safely, protect our families, and be able to earn a living. As nurses, we are committed to our patient population, our coworkers, and the public, to provide the art and science of nursing, particularly orthopaedics, without bias.
Today I spoke with a patient preparing for total hip replacement. Last week she had an episode where this 69-year-old retired operating room (OR) nurse thought she was having a stroke. Her blood pressure was elevated, and she had no recollection of the events of the day and was frightened. Her diagnosis was transglobal amnesia, after the workup revealed no signs of a stroke. Her doctor took the time to talk to her and advised her to get off Facebook and to avoid the news. It was explained that her body just went into protective mode and basically turned off to avoid a stroke. Working 40 years in the OR, she is a tough woman and able to take the stress. However, the stress of COVID-19, the political and social unrest in the country, and the constant mudslinger on both sides weakened her defenses. Neither of us stated our political views; just that we agreed it is out of control.
I am appalled that we have gotten to a state where friends are turning on one another because of differences in politics. My son's lifetime best friend of more than 30 years severed their friendship because of their different political views. I have had differing views with friends in the past, but it has never led to this type of behavior before. Isn't it time we stopped the bickering and hatred and come to the realization that life will go on? Please consider other's feelings before you speak or post something. Is it worth putting one's life in danger or severing a relationship because of differing opinions?
As you read this edition of Orthopaedic Nursing, the holidays will be upon us. Traditionally, it is a season of goodwill and peace. I pray that our country will begin healing from all the unrest that has befallen us this past year. I pray for our leaders that they will be the guiding force to help the country heal. I pray that each one of us will extend our hand in friendship and tolerance. We don't have to agree with each other, but we can agree that a difference of opinion is okay, without getting violent. I hope that the vaccine for COVID-19 will be further in the testing phase and possibly available shortly.
Yes, it has been a tough year but there is still joy in the world. A baby's cry at birth, seeing the wonder of holiday magic in a child's eyes, the joy of a senior citizen when family visits, our patients healing and being able to return home, family, and friends, the excitement of tackling a problem and coming to a solution-so many things to give thanks.
Be part of the healing, not the disease. Celebrate the stars you are to your family, friends, and patients. Be safe, be strong, be kind. Best wishes for a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others. - John F. Kennedy