31 - Laughter is the Best Medicine: How Humor Helps one ER Nurse | Brock Kemp, RN
Description
Imagine walking into a hospital room, stethoscope in hand, only to have patients immediately assume you're the doctor simply because you're a man. For Brock Kemp, this scenario plays out regularly as a male nurse navigating a predominantly female profession. But these misconceptions are just the beginning of his fascinating journey through healthcare.
From mowing lawns and fixing storage unit doors to managing life-and-death situations in the emergency department, Brock's path into nursing defies the traditional narrative. His candid revelations about transitioning through multiple specialties—from challenging med-surg overnight shifts to rehabilitation at Mayo Clinic to research nursing and finally finding his calling in the ER—offer invaluable insights for anyone considering a healthcare career.
What makes Brock truly unique is his work as a creator behind @ScrubLaddy, where his medical comedy sketches have become a form of therapy for thousands of healthcare workers. Started as a cathartic response to a frustrating shift change, his content transforms the everyday challenges of hospital work into relatable humor that helps prevent burnout. When nurses message him saying "your videos make us feel seen," he knows he's found a meaningful way to support his colleagues beyond the hospital walls.
The conversation takes unexpected turns as Brock recounts dramatic moments like rushing to save a coding patient in the parking lot, juxtaposed against the mundane reality of treating toothaches in the next room. His description of the emergency department as "a giant machine" serving the community offers a fresh perspective on teamwork in crisis situations. Whether you're a pre-health student seeking career guidance or simply curious about the realities behind the hospital doors, Brock's story resonates with authentic passion and hard-earned wisdom.
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