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Odd Stuff I Learned in Nursing School

Larrylambert
3 min readJun 1, 2024

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Mostly I learned I wasn’t nurse material.

Cartoon by Lambert-King

In the last year, we’ve seen the value of dedicated health care professionals. At one time, I thought about becoming a nurse. I went to nursing school for a few months, but ultimately came to realize, it’s wasn’t right for me. Or, perhaps more accurately, I wasn’t right for it. For instance, nurses really need to be empathetic. I sometimes find myself deficient in that area.

People who are sick or in pain will generally let you know. Repeatedly. I’m not sure I’m I would be good at listening to constant complaints. “I’m thirsty”. I’m hungry.” I need a bedpan.” It’s too late for a bedpan.” “I can’t breathe.” “My heart stopped.” Gripe, gripe, gripe.

It’s not like I don’t have my own problems. My fantasy football team is in the tank. There’s nothing good on TV. I can’t balance my checkbook. I doubt if patients would listen to this stuff if I told it to them. They’re generally too self-absorbed, worrying about clinging to life.

So, it seems clear that my temperament is best suited for some over vocation.

I did find some of the nursing school teaching techniques interesting. I saw a training film on caring for the elderly. It involved personal hygiene. Very personal hygiene. The film should how a nurse would help in this delicate matter. The…

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Larrylambert
Larrylambert

Written by Larrylambert

You probably don't know my name, but have likely seen my work. I've written for numerous syndicated cartoon strips and my gags have appeared in national pubs.

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