On Solidarity and Striking
Physicians & Nurses in Oregon Are Striking.
In case you missed it... Today is Day 4 of an historic strike in Portland, Oregon. Hospitalists from my very own former group have joined with Womens Health specialists, Palliative Care Specialists, and thousands of nurses represented by the Oregon Nurses Association.
They have decided FINALLY and not without profound deliberation to have their own backs for a moment.
These are folks who choose to work in service to others every single day. They have been at the sharp end of our painfully inequitable system for many years.
These are the folks who have normalized nights at the hospital, spending holidays away from family, staying late after a 12 hour shift, breaking bad news, holding hands, withstanding insults and so much more. And while wages are a part of the ask, safe staffing ratios and recognition of complexity are at the core. The do-more-with-less vibes are at the core.
I would like to ask anyone reading or listening- what do you think it would take for a group of professionals THIS big and THIS united and THIS devoted to step away from the bedside even for a few days?
My best guess: One metric ton of perceived disrespect, disregard, and disingenuousness. Disillusionment. Demoralization. Disgust.
Now here's another truth.
Nothing is ever as black-and-white as the polar ends of the conflict would have us believe.
Mixed motives abound. The spin machine is on high.
But here's what I think:
It's time to stop trying to defend and maintain a culture and a system whose time is up.
It's OK to stand with the ideals of those striking.
It's also reasonable to worry about patients, access, and safety.
It's OK if their action makes you deeply uncomfortable. I'm pretty sure it makes them uncomfortable too which is a testament to the taking of the action anyway.
Be careful what your mind is making any of this mean.
Be careful with judging the individuals involved on any side.
Be aware when your passionate certainty feeds the dopamine receptors of your brain.
Find compassion and connection where you can.
This too shall pass and may it not have been for nothing. May it give a voice to those who have been the only functional elasticity in the system for too long. May patients be safe and well cared for.
In solidarity with my colleagues who are finding a way to ROAR.
