A few days ago, one of my colleagues said to me after a particularly frantic day in the ED, “You guys aren’t Charge Nurses, you’re Charge Mommies.” She is right. This is what we do:
- tell all the kids don’t fight and play nice
- fix boo-boos
- give hugs as needed, or tissue
- make sure all the kids get lunch
- find things
- repair broken toys
- clean up little “accidents”
- greet guests, and ensure they’re fed and comfortable
- make sure everyone keeps the place tidy
- assign chores
- deal with the unpleasant relatives upstairs
The one thing I don’t do is enforce discipline. No spankings or time outs. I have a Manager Mommy for that.
#1 by Jennifer Olin, RN on Friday 29 June 2012 - 1023
Oh my gosh, you gave me my first laugh of the morning…it’s so true and not just in the ED, you totally capture the OR too!
#2 by The Nerdy Nurse - Patient, Nurse, Technology Advocate. on Saturday 30 June 2012 - 1608
No greater joy than being a mother. Sometimes adults need mothering too.
#3 by Jane Morai on Wednesday 01 August 2012 - 1130
Lol you are definitely right about being a charge mommy. Moms are the best!
#4 by Cindy on Thursday 13 December 2012 - 1117
Absolutely!