Melaine Oster lives in New Jersey and is a registered nurse working in interventional cardiology at a hospital in New York City. She was inspired to leave her job in copywriting and become a nurse in the wake of the tragedies of 9/11.
Our discussion covers, among other things:
*her education and career path
*the difference between a bedside nurse and a procedural nurse
*the reason we should all be more patient when our doctors are backed-up and appointments are delayed
*why romance is unlikely to happen in the hospital, despite what “Grey’s Anatomy” and “ER” depict
*some of her first emergencies as a nurse...which happened on her honeymoon
*shortcomings she sees in the healthcare system
Melaine finds hope in the decency of her coworkers and the many positive qualities of the younger generation.
One last note...the episode was recorded during nurse appreciation week (5/6/23 to 5/12/23), but please be kind to, patient with, grateful for and supportive of nurses and all healthcare providers whenever you interact with them. All. The. Time. While they also deserve better pay, more support for their own well-being, less BS and more public acclaim, it’s the least we can each do at an individual level.