Specifically, they failed to change gloves in-between cleaning incontinent patients and subsequently applying ointment to other parts of the body, and handling patients' clean bed linens, food trays, and personal belongings. One several occasions, I witnessed nurse's aides fail to change gloves in-between different patients. I saw a phlebotomist unnecessarily contaminate sterile dressings by careless handling. When questioned, she responded that her method was more time efficient. I also noticed everyone from nurse's aides to senior residents routinely place containers used for waste collection onto food carts, in some cases after picking them up off the floor. In general, it seems to me that the routine of sometimes mundane or repetitive tasks -- even in the healthcare profession -- leads to carelessness and an apathetic attitude on the part of people entrusted to ensure the health and welfare of vulnerable patients.

Without condemning any of my colleagues for their lapses, I intend to...

I recognize that nursing is not just a job, but a tremendous responsibility to care for other peoples' family members and loved ones in their absence exactly as I would hope someone would care for my loved ones in the same circumstances. I hope to have the courage to speak up when I witness complacency and carelessness, and to lead by example. I believe my primary long-term responsibility is to treat my very last patient with the same diligence and compassion as my very first.