LETTERS
to the Editor
LISTENING TO RNs
As a working gerontological nurse close in age to author Ann Fleming Beach’s mother, I was touched by “A Smart Doctor Listens to the Nurses” (Reflections, April). I remember the physicians who’ve checked in with me and asked if there were any orders I thought they might want to change—they are like gold! I’ve kept this article on my desk for the past few months and am now passing it on to a new intern at my facility. I hope Dr. Beach’s writing affects her as much as it has me. Pamela Bierce, MSN, RN-BC, WCC Philadelphia
INTERDISCIPLINARY CARE
I enjoy reading all aspects of AJN, from the news and facts to the
opinion pieces, and discussing these with my husband, who is also a nurse. Lately, through my work in a suburban teaching hospital, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of increasing interdisciplinary understanding in health care. Do physicians understand what nurses do, I often wonder? We assume that we understand each other’s roles, but, as a new batch of young physicians start their residencies each year, it’s evident that this assumption isn’t always true. Members of each health discipline should be required to take at least one class during their training in which they learn about the work of other clinicians. Physicians, RNs, pharmacists, respiratory and physical
therapists, and dieticians all need to better understand the scope of practice and responsibilities of the other providers they work with. The Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals call for improved communication among caregivers (for more information on these goals, visit www.jointcommission.org/ standards_information/npsgs. aspx). Increasing interdisciplinary understanding will create a more unified care team, which will lead to better communication and more effective delivery of patient care in the hospital setting, benefiting providers and patients alike. Adina J. Madra, MS, RN, CPN Palo Alto, CA ▼
to the Editor
LISTENING TO RNs
As a working gerontological nurse close in age to author Ann Fleming Beach’s mother, I was touched by “A Smart Doctor Listens to the Nurses” (Reflections, April). I remember the physicians who’ve checked in with me and asked if there were any orders I thought they might want to change—they are like gold! I’ve kept this article on my desk for the past few months and am now passing it on to a new intern at my facility. I hope Dr. Beach’s writing affects her as much as it has me. Pamela Bierce, MSN, RN-BC, WCC Philadelphia
INTERDISCIPLINARY CARE
I enjoy reading all aspects of AJN, from the news and facts to the
opinion pieces, and discussing these with my husband, who is also a nurse. Lately, through my work in a suburban teaching hospital, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of increasing interdisciplinary understanding in health care. Do physicians understand what nurses do, I often wonder? We assume that we understand each other’s roles, but, as a new batch of young physicians start their residencies each year, it’s evident that this assumption isn’t always true. Members of each health discipline should be required to take at least one class during their training in which they learn about the work of other clinicians. Physicians, RNs, pharmacists, respiratory and physical
therapists, and dieticians all need to better understand the scope of practice and responsibilities of the other providers they work with. The Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals call for improved communication among caregivers (for more information on these goals, visit www.jointcommission.org/ standards_information/npsgs. aspx). Increasing interdisciplinary understanding will create a more unified care team, which will lead to better communication and more effective delivery of patient care in the hospital setting, benefiting providers and patients alike. Adina J. Madra, MS, RN, CPN Palo Alto, CA ▼
