jdimaio88-blog

[jdimaio88-blog]

I've had a tumbler account for ages and I think this is the first time I've used it. I came across this blog put together by one of my most valued of friends and figured it would be a good place to start. I really enjoyed reading this, Ian. Never realized how much we agree on this topic. Hope you don't mind but I may share this on other social media.

Can’t fix broken system from the bedside

Yesterday I was sitting in on an interview for a new oncology nurse manager at the hospital where I’ve worked as an RN the last four years. Right off the bat I thought the prospective hire was doing well. He projected sufficient confidence and humility. He seemed likable enough. After about 2 minutes I turned to my coworker and said “Yea, he’s got the job.” He had the appropriate experience, and by the time a candidate has interviewed with higher ups and is brought back to interview with us it means the offer is all but extended.

As we churned through questions about his past experience, career accomplishments, and pedantic “leadership style” questions, all his responses were appropriate and predictable. He would be hired to tow the line as a middle manager, in a successful corporate hospital, in a failing national healthcare system. A successful hospital in a failing national health system... So the job is akin to that of the conductor leading the string quartet on the deck of Titanic going down.

In our present day there isn’t a single lucid American soul that could truthfully describe our national health system as effective, let alone successful. Byzantine, kafkaesque, and inequitable are the first descriptors that come to my mind. Any healthcare provider could tell you about the inordinate amount of time they spend explaining and apologizing for a health system that’s inadequate and failing, and any patient could corroborate it. So that leaves the question: who wants the job?

I framed a question to the interviewee. “The problems that we have here: the turnover of management, turnover of staff, short staffing, inadequate training, burnout, equipment shortage, communication failures, etc — they’re not unique to us. It’s all a symptom of our greater failing national system. Is there anything you do to advocate for a more equitable, more effective health system beyond the walls of the hospital?” As I asked him this (with less skillful words), I became emotional. I could feel it swelling in my chest and head, though I don’t think my coworkers noticed. I knew how important my point was and that the only accurate answer could be: “Not enough.” (That would be my own answer too.) Rather though, the interviewee reiterated how important that question was, talked about the illusory “community” a bit, and I don’t remember much at all specifically about what he said.

Being a good nurse, going the extra mile for patients, forgoing my break to spend more time providing care at the bedside: none of that’s enough. And attending BLM rallies, supporting and donating to progressive political campaigns, writing my congressperson to receive back form responses the equivalent of a shrug: that’s not enough either. Because at the end of the week I collect a paycheck from the offal too.

By the time I was graduating high school I had enough knowledge and insight to see that our health system wasn’t working... and beyond that: our education system, our criminal justice system, our financial system — all different arms of a deformed, undeniably racist, unjust society. But eventually I became a nurse, one occupation largely beyond reprove when tracing the lines between all the systemic injustices of our society. On occasion people with no personal knowledge of my life will learn of me being a nurse (like when I’m wearing scrubs on my way to and from work,) and tell me how it’s a noble profession. Few professions are awarded the same universal regard. And I enjoy that regard too. But I also recognize myself as complicit when I spend that paycheck and weeks pass without me taking any concrete action to improve upon the status quo.

I write all this because I know I’m not alone in these thoughts; I’m hopeful for change in the future; and I know open communication is the way forward. I’m looking to keep talking and get moving!!!!!!

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at Seaside Heights, New Jersey https://www.instagram.com/p/BnSfO-SAmJ1/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=d7c2dhh655he

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at Insight Institute For Psychotherapy https://www.instagram.com/p/BnSNX5GgCMC/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=kzg6p6yzuhq9

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My last set was so HOT the Fire Dept showed up at the Creek @creekcavelic Uh oh! 🙄😒😕😖😬😩 HA HA HA! For more of that kind of high caliber comedy follow me on Twitter. LOL (at The Creek and The Cave) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnFJ5rrAwYZ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=13ngl03a84yda

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Forgot to post this a few weeks ago. @danst.germain @bigjayoakerson and ma girl @bellalove88 at the @creekandcave for @legionofskanks . Always have a good time at Skanks but this was a great one. @marknormand was there too. Good times good times. (at The Creek and The Cave)

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I've been hearing rumors. Than @davidspade posted a tease video of him getting ready to do the show. Please God let this be true. Norm MacDonald Live was the best show on TV and it was only a video podcast. If it's anything like that I'm gonna be ecstatic. Norm is one of the GOAT. Right up there with Rodney and Richard in my book. (at New York, New York)

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@marknormand @bellalove88 @bigjayoakerson Two of the funniest guys in NYC. Check out Mark's set on Fallon a few weeks ago and his podcast #tuesdayswithstories and my man Big Jay on #legionofskanks #thebonfire Go out and see em! Totally different styles. Both hilarious. #2ofthebest (at The Creek and The Cave)

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Got my Tix. Whose coming with me? Can't wait for Rodney B and of course the one and only Big Jay (at Village Underground)

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When the novelty of shooting your lil brother with a foam dart just doesn't have the same kick as it once did. Also be on the look out for super soakers new line of flame throwers complete with your own trench coat and the at home Molotov cocktail kit (if arts and crafts is more your thing) plus for the lil girl in your life the Barbie Malibu grenade launcher. All products for the moment when you look in your child's eye and see there's nothing left but a sociopathic hardened ice cold murderer or the young assassin in training. Cause there is no better part of childhood than the innocent fun of death. BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED (at Death & Co.)

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at Greenpoint Avenue Bridge

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at Greenpoint Brooklyn/L.I.C. Queens NYC

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#JDiMaioMemes (at @ That Meeker/Morgan Exit)

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My boy Charlie McCracken. Kids got a heart bigger than this city and he's funny as hell. His sky diving instructor bit is f***ing hilarious. Thanks for the push brotha. I needed it. (at The Lantern)

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Thank God I'm insane enough to be some what entertaining (at Bushwick)