The first thing I would do if I were elected president

iStockphoto | Thinkstock


In this day and age, when our health is constantly in question and even in jeopardy, every little thing counts. As nurses, we have a much greater appreciation for these little things, because we actually know just how important they are.

I have a theory about the state of our nation’s health: I think if we all took a mandatory introduction to microbiology course, we would lead healthier lives. If I were the leader of the free world, in fact, (just call me President Nurse!), the first thing I would do (okay, maybe not the very first thing) is make microbiology mandatory for all!

Don’t laugh. It wouldn’t necessarily have to be a labor-intensive course, but all of the major concepts should be covered. I firmly believe everyone would think twice about everything they do (and don’t do) when it comes to hygiene and simple cleanliness.

If our nation had a better grasp of vector transmission, we could see a drastic, if not epidemic-like, decline in the common cold. That pesky rhinovirus would have a tough time surviving.

Citizens of the United States of America would rejoice at catching fewer colds and dodging the annual influenza! Don’t tell me you don’t think that would go down in history books!

If we all took this mandatory microbiology course, here’s what would happen:

  • We would stop making doors that require you to pull the door handle to exit the bathroom!
  • We would wash our hands almost incessantly, as opposed to not remembering the last time we washed.
  • We would sneeze into a covered sleeve and not our hands!
  • We would cough into a covered sleeve instead of our hands.
  • We would demand properly supplied bathroom toiletries and hand cleansing solutions — even if that means having waterless hand sanitizers.
  • We would think twice about handling money and then eating with our bare hands!

These are just a few of the things we take for granted.

Okay, okay…

I will admit this mandatory education just might backfire, causing a nationwide panic and turning everyone into hypochondriacs, but I’m willing to take the risk.

What do you think? Am I onto something? Or am I just another overly paranoid nurse?

Scrubs Editor

The Scrubs Staff would love to hear your ideas for stories! Please submit your articles or story ideas to us here.

Recent Posts

Leadership Qualities for Students

When we discuss students, we always mention their qualities. Those qualities show what they are…

12 months ago

A Comprehensive Guide to Dual Diagnosis Treatment Options

If you or someone you know is juggling mental health issues alongside substance abuse, understanding…

12 months ago

How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health While Following The News

For the last couple of weeks, the Israel-Hamas conflict has taken over the news cycle.…

12 months ago

Eyes on the Future: Innovations in Eye Treatment Lenses

Our eyes are invaluable, serving as our windows to the world. The ability to see…

12 months ago

Vision Issues Are on The Rise Among Nurses: Why and What to Do About It

Undoubtedly, one of the most demanding and challenging professions is nursing. Nurses work long hours in…

12 months ago

Echocardiography as a Diagnostic Tool: How Cardiologists Use Echo to Assess Heart Health

Echocardiography, or echo for short, is a key diagnostic test used by cardiologists to assess…

1 year ago