The effects of Emergency “work” on its front line staff has been studied, papered, investigated, and discussed at length by scientists, the media and those of us working/living it. In very short summary, we are a group of compassion-fatigued, sleep-deprived, uber-caring, stress junkies that rely on the fellowship of our own to survive the day to day “work” we all choose and love to do. Let’s face it, does anyone really understand us unless they “live” with us?
In the very early days, I worked in a Pediatric Regional Trauma Center ER with the eager, starry-eyed exuberance of a new grad up for any challenge which included a love for Pediatrics. ER was not my first choice!! After seeing the work that this department accomplished, the learning I would receive and the satisfaction these nurses felt for their all important work, I was hooked. I wanted to be a part of it and was, for almost 10 years.
To de-stress(NOT a word in the mid 80’s) our department would regularly plan a gathering at a local pub to have a few pints, grumble about the comings and goings in the dept and enjoy many, many laughs together, outside of the confines of uniforms and hospital walls. It was a way to connect,”sip &bitch”, grow our friendships but also, to obtain that cohesiveness and trust needed to complete the most difficult work that is part of an ER.
TNDC was born.
To all those who were in it from its inception, we’re still doing it (not as often as beer is so much more expensive now!) and its still working! To those who are new to the concept, may we all enjoy a little levity and camaraderie outside of our working hours. If for nothing else, it’s fun to see how everyone looks in street clothes!
TNDC lives on. Cheers!
P.S. T-stands for Tuesday, or Thursday or any other day if Tuesday and Thursday don’t work out.
N– Night; D– Drinking; C-Club. (all self-explanatory!)