Not All Nurses Are The Same

Not all nurses are the same. At work, I entered the staff lounge just in time to overhear one nurse say to another:

“I’m mean really, nurses don’t care about clothes. We have our work clothes, and jeans for home. Who cares about clothes?”

Grabbing my lunch sack, I headed outdoors to eat, inaudibly mumbling:

“I do. I care about clothes.” 

I recently bought a pair of platform wedges. I’ve written before that I envy my neighbor her 7-inch stiletto platforms, and the ability to walk in them as gracefully as a bamboo reed. Just once before I die, I want to own a pair of big girl shoes, and wear them like a grown up.

No one knows I bought them yet, but David, who accompanied me. In fact, he encouraged me to buy them. He thinks the shoes are sexy. I love him.

Even though my new peep toe wedges are only the equivalent of a 3 1/2-inch heel, walking gracefully as a bamboo reed is as difficult as it looks. I’ve been practicing walking in them around the house. Did I mention they’re beige, and make my legs look very long?

This day, the sun shone magnificently, without the slightest threat of rain. I decided to try a test spin outdoors in the new shoes, and walk a few blocks to the bank, though I have a way to go towards developing the skill to walk in them gracefully, like a bamboo reed.

Taking cautious steps, balancing 31/2 inches taller than usual, I pass a man on crutches navigating a sidewalk café table and chair. He intends to enjoy a latte in the brilliant sunlight. I’m unable to offer help, because I don’t have any better control of my legs in these platform wedges. He successfully maneuvers the table and chair, while I slink away with a gait reminiscent of Frankenstein, acknowledging the irony of the scene.

At the bank, the teller asks if I have plans for the rest of this beautiful afternoon. I tell her no, too embarrassed to admit that practicing walking gracefully in my platform wedges is my plan for the afternoon.

As I walk home, my gait becomes smoother. I gain a little confidence. I feel like a grown up. I can’t help it; I like fashion.

Not all nurses are the same.

What sets you apart from your nurse colleagues? Do you have a funny story about it?