Finally went searching for it again and here it is. Great article on integrity under pressure.
Recently, in a major medical center, a new head nurse was starting her first assignment.
She was in charge of all the nurses on the operating room team. She had full responsibility for performing all the duties nurses perform.
When the surgery was complete, the surgeon said, “Okay, it’s time to close the incision. I need the sutures.”
The new head nurse responded, “Doctor, you used twelve sponges; we’ve only removed eleven.”
The surgeon assured her that all of the sponges had been removed and he was ready to suture.
She replied, “Doctor, you used twelve sponges; only eleven have been removed.” With a bit of irritation in his voice, the doctor said, “I will accept full responsibility.”
At that point, the nurse’s temper flew and she apparently stomped her foot and said, “Doctor, think of the patient!” When she said that, the doctor smiled, lifted his foot and revealed the twelfth sponge. He looked at the nurse and said, “You’ll do.”
Her integrity had been tested; she passed with flying colors.
The question is, how many of us, under identical circumstances, would have risked offending the surgeon, remembering that there was a possibility we had miscounted? But this nurse felt the patient’s life and health were at stake and she, without hesitation, did the right thing.
Over the long haul, that’s the best way to get to the top and stay there. Take that approach and I’ll SEE YOU AT THE TOP!
Would you have passed the test?
Here's the article....
Zig On…Pass the Test
By Zig Ziglar
She passed the test – can you? Major surgery requires not only a skilled surgeon, but a number of skilled assistants to make certain that everything happens as it should.
They function as a team. No one person, regardless of how brilliant they are, could pull off a major operation alone.
They function as a team. No one person, regardless of how brilliant they are, could pull off a major operation alone.
Recently, in a major medical center, a new head nurse was starting her first assignment.
She was in charge of all the nurses on the operating room team. She had full responsibility for performing all the duties nurses perform.
When the surgery was complete, the surgeon said, “Okay, it’s time to close the incision. I need the sutures.”
The new head nurse responded, “Doctor, you used twelve sponges; we’ve only removed eleven.”
The surgeon assured her that all of the sponges had been removed and he was ready to suture.
She replied, “Doctor, you used twelve sponges; only eleven have been removed.” With a bit of irritation in his voice, the doctor said, “I will accept full responsibility.”
At that point, the nurse’s temper flew and she apparently stomped her foot and said, “Doctor, think of the patient!” When she said that, the doctor smiled, lifted his foot and revealed the twelfth sponge. He looked at the nurse and said, “You’ll do.”
Her integrity had been tested; she passed with flying colors.
The question is, how many of us, under identical circumstances, would have risked offending the surgeon, remembering that there was a possibility we had miscounted? But this nurse felt the patient’s life and health were at stake and she, without hesitation, did the right thing.
Over the long haul, that’s the best way to get to the top and stay there. Take that approach and I’ll SEE YOU AT THE TOP!
Zig Ziglar is known as America’s motivator. He is the author of 29 books and numerous audio and video recordings. He brings his message of hope to thousands on the stages at the Get Motivated Seminars.
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hey, really nice story...integrity, sumtink that is lacking nowadays
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYup.. a really great story to highlight the importance!
ReplyDeleteBut what happened even you are being honest and nobody appreciate it. Even worst, you are being outcast and alienated. What wit the advice" If you cant beat them, join them". It is better to be in low profile rather the"HERO" as Hiro die fast & 1st.
ReplyDeleteDwyn> Well... there are no easy answers in life..
ReplyDeleteEach of us have to choose the path we want to take..
We do what we can.. We do what we have to..
Other than that.. we can't worry too much abt whether people appreciate it...
Your write-ups are far more than wow!
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