To the nurse who treated me for bronchitis,
I am thankful for the treatment you gave me. You were thorough. You were gentle. You did your job very well, medically at least.
I do think that the comments you made were unprofessional and were not necessary.
I was in the hospital the day after same sex marriage was legalized here in the United States. I was incredibly happy about it and I was so proud to be part of the lgbt+ community. I still am proud to be part of such a community.
But then you started ranting about how our nation was doomed because lgbt+ individuals were allowed to get married and live a wonderful life together. You said all gay people go to hell. You called the lgbt+ community faggots and queers because in your religion, gays are frowned upon.
But because my grandmother, who also doesn't accept the lgbt+ community, was sitting next to me, I bit my tongue.
You're so god damn lucky.
We're human beings. We go to work. We live in a house. We wear clothes. We are just people.
And frankly, I'll admit it. I cannot count the number of times I didn't say I was gay because I felt unsafe to do so. We shouldn't have to live our lives fearing for our safety. We are just human beings.
I can deal with the name calling. I can deal with homophobic assholes. I can deal with it all. But when you have a job to do, you really should watch what comes out of your mouth.
You're there to help somebody. The patients are there because they need help. That's as far as it should go. Opinions can be left unsaid. If somebody's religious beliefs change the ways you, as a nurse, would treat them then that's different. But do not bring up your personal beliefs or opinions with patients just because you can't deal with events happening in the world around you.
It's unprofessional. You're a nurse, not a spokesperson.
So to the nurse who treated me for bronchitis... Build a bridge and get the hell over it. You're a big boy.
