There is a tree in our front yard that is dying. It’s a great big maple tree that used to be beautiful and provide shade for our house. Now it is without leaves on one side, and the bark is dark and peeling off revealing white, moldy-looking ‘insides.’ So we called an arborist in the hopes of treating and saving this special tree. After assessing the problem tree and giving us his diagnosis, the tree expert commented “I couldn’t help but notice another tree by your front door. It seems to have __________ (insert long, Latin name of tree disease here!)” Hmmmm… does this happen with every occupation?

From the time I started learning about anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and all other things nursing and healthcare related, I’ve been much more observant of peoples’ health status. I always notice “good veins.” I can spot someone with hyperthyroidism a mile away. I worry when I see someone with clubbing and wonder what their oxygen saturation is. And if someone tells me their prescriber put them on furosemide, I immediately think about the importance of following their potassium levels.

Have you noticed similar changes in yourself since you’ve become a nurse? Please share - I’d love to hear about them!