This is NOT a Marvel quote. It was attributed originally to the writer known as Voltaire. François-Marie Arouet adopted the pen name in 1718. This was after his incarceration in the Bastille. But before his smallpox infection. And before his exile into England. Among many other things.
His Wiki page is wild and worth the read.
In the Marvel Universe this saying is attributed to Peter Parker’s Uncle Ben. Who reminded the young Peter Parker that those who were given great power, much is demanded of them. And Peter ignored him and went to earn money by wrestling using his spider given powers so that they could keep their house.
Uncle Ben died being shot by Flint Marko or Dennis Carradine or any number of shadowy thugs.
No spoilers needed.
This is a well worn trope and has been explored over movies and comic books and books and television shows.
But he inspired Peter Parker with his words reminding Peter that with great power, comes great responsibility.
But that isn’t why I bring up the quote.
I had a doctor’s appointment yesterday. A doctor who sometimes does surgeries in the operating room at night. As I was leaving they said if I had any issues to call the office.
Like a silly goose I said, pleased with the good appointment, that I had access to their personal cell number because they had called me to create a surgery in the dark one night.
The fear in their eyes.
I rushed to reassure them that I had multiple doctor phone numbers in my phone as a function of my work as a call nurse. And that I never abused the numbers.
Ever.
This is part of personal code of ethics.
If I need a surgeon for details of a case I will text them or call them. They are aware of this.
If not, the numbers stay locked in my phone.
I never ever ever ever give them out.
Just like I never give out staff numbers without clearing it with the staff first. I’ve been told this is an uneccessary step but I continue it.
That pesky personal code of ethics that I have.
If I need to call a doctor that is not work related, I use the same avenue that everyone else does. I call the doctor on call or I leave a message with the office and patiently wait for the callback.
Having these numbers is a great power. It eases communication about middle of the night cases, or cases for the day shift that I arrange at night. it is my great responsibility to have a personal code of ethics that doesn’t allow me to abuse the numbers.
Ever.
I don’t care who thinks they need the number, too bad. (shrugs)
They can call the office and go through the call system just as I do when it is not work/case related.
Dispatches from the Evening Shift 