99.9% of the communication I have with FHO readers is overwhelmingly lovely, but every now and again I get something a little less pleasant. Like a comment that perhaps I should stick to talking about forensic nursing, and leave the politics out of it. So I want to be clear: I am a progressive. I believe healthcare is a human right. I believe economic equality cannot occur if women don’t control their own bodies. I believe that political correctness is actually another term for respect for all, and isn’t something that should be sneered at. I am a proud Army wife and support our troops. I believe in the 2nd Amendment, but I don’t believe it allows for unregulated gun sales and ownership, and I certainly don’t believe you can wave the 2nd Amendment in my face and not also remember there is an equally important 1st Amendment. And I believe in intersectionality–that poverty, racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia and transphobia all impact the health of our patients along with the violence they’ve experienced, and if we truly want to care for our patients, we can’t just care for the one without addressing all the others.
That being said, this is my site, and it is unaffiliated with any agency or organization. I speak solely for myself and as long as that’s true, this site will include “politics”. Because politics impact our patients’ lives, and particularly in these times, I believe it is imperative that we remain vigilant in working towards the health and safety of all people. FHO is not a vanity project; it exists in service to the profession I love. But having an opinion, taking a stand, this is what allows us to move the work forward. Apathy and a refusal to commit to an ideal–these are the enemies of progress.
So now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, here’s what’s caught my eye since last we spoke:
Heroin deaths have officially exceeded gun deaths in the US
The so-called women’s magazines are killing it right now in the political commentary arena
Despair and hope (Related)
That pesky hippocampus
Pickle juice! (so good)
The future of reproductive health?
If you haven’t read When Breath Becomes Air, do.
System failures seem to always be part of the story
12 replies on “Since Last We Spoke, 12-12-16”
AMEN!!!
Thank you for your web site and your time and efforts. Great comment right on!
I couldn’t love this post any more. Politics impacts everything we do, every day of our lives. It is unavoidable. The more we talk about it and educate ourselves about all views on things, the closer we get to a society that truly operates in the best interest of ALL citizens.
One of the reasons I love your website is because of your comments and views. You give me access to info I would not have found on my own. It often makes me think and to question and I think that is a good thing. I don’t have to agree with everything you say to appreciate your take on the topic. I have to be honest though and say there is rarely anything in this site I disagree with so it also feels good to hear from a kindred soul. Keep it all coming! Thank you for your efforts that help us all expand our brains.
First of all, you hit the nail on the head…This is your website! That is what I love about this site! You don’t beat around the bush! You tell it like it is! I believe that it is important that we obtain multiple views from multiple sources so we are more well rounded. We need to take in as much information as we can, so we can make informed decisions about our practice. I am constantly learning and adapting. I keep your motto “know why you do what you do” in the forefront and just as it has helped me, I am confident that it too, will help those whom I mentor! Diversity is key to a successful clinician! Jen, THANK YOU for sharing your views…..all of them!! It has made me a better clinician 🙂
Please keep being “political” on your own site. The amount of free, up to date information on our profession is priceless (literally). It’s like being served a gourmet meal without the hours of shopping, preparation and clean-up. Not to mention the humor and sense of hope you provide along side some pretty gruesome topics. Thanks for all the work you do to advance our profession and support all of us worker bees out in the trenches.
BRAVA!
Jennifer,
I am new to your site, but never miss reviewing it when it comes out. Your comments and articles, set my mind to wondering and researching. I find this valuable to my practice and keeping abreast of our community of SANE nurses.
Thank you for the time and effort you put into this site.
I take very seriously my right to be vigilant and speak out and advocate for myself, my family, my friends and my patients. Your voice is so important and necessary, you are building community, you are serving our community and you are a role model……we are in the ring with you!!!!
Amen sister!!!!!!
It is a fact of our lives that we do not live, operate or practice in a vacuum. The politics effect our patients and the work we are able to do. It has to a part of the conversation. Keep up the great work, we all need it.
I love this site! Thank you for all your hard work.