The other side
Every once in awhile I believe it to be important to walk in the shoes of another. See what life is like from the other side of the curtain. This morning I had the opportunity sadly to be a patient of the ER...Thankfully not an ER I have or do work in (A special thanks to a friend for the heads up)
After being sick for the last 24 hours with a terrible, I mean HORRIBLE stomach flu (the details of which I will spare you) Andy and I made the decision to visit the local ER. Upon arrival I was greeted by a flat affect and no eye contact from a woman who didn't introduce herself, although I am supposed to bear my soul to her about what is going on....No worries I guess.
The triage nurse was a great step up. He was friendly, soft spoken and honest. He led me to my hospital room and then made sure I was comfortable before leaving. Thank you for caring sir..
When my primary nurse came in she never made eye contact with me, didn't ask my husbands name or why he was there with me....I felt like I piece of meat. Another inconvience to her day. I was calm but truly feel and felt horrible. Trying to explain that to her she brushed it off. I actually at one point whispered to Andy, "I don't like this." She took my blood, started my IV and walked away. No caring, no compassion came from her....Until...
The doctor came in and was very nice. Seemingly a newer young physician he asked me my profession which until this point I hadn't mentioned. The nurse in the room immediately changed her demeanor and became overly sweet and nice to me. Noticeable to not only myself but the Dr and my husband.
The whole time spent there was quick and relatively painless. Thankfully I am ok and needed some hydration! I am grateful for both of those things.
I am not complaining about this woman, or anything else. What I am saying is that as a patient a little compassion and caring goes along way. Once the RN knew I was a nurse she became friendly. She related to me and her entire attitude changed. It made a world of difference in my overall experience there...
As a nurse that works in the ER I often think of it as a job like any one else. I truly care about my patients. I feel for them but sometimes I will admit I forget that they are there not feeling well. That they may be having the worst day of their lives....I shouldn't forget these things. It is important to look at the patients, call them by name and help them (and me) understand that they are looking to us for help. Andy said something (as per usual) today that was quite profound. "Regardless of what is going on while you are at work, you would never want to change roles with any of the patients you see in a shift." True!
I am glad that I am finally feeling better, but I am also thankful that I got to experience being a patient. It helps to put things into perspective. Gives me a great outlook as I head back to work later this week, after some much needed rest and hydration.
After being sick for the last 24 hours with a terrible, I mean HORRIBLE stomach flu (the details of which I will spare you) Andy and I made the decision to visit the local ER. Upon arrival I was greeted by a flat affect and no eye contact from a woman who didn't introduce herself, although I am supposed to bear my soul to her about what is going on....No worries I guess.
The triage nurse was a great step up. He was friendly, soft spoken and honest. He led me to my hospital room and then made sure I was comfortable before leaving. Thank you for caring sir..
When my primary nurse came in she never made eye contact with me, didn't ask my husbands name or why he was there with me....I felt like I piece of meat. Another inconvience to her day. I was calm but truly feel and felt horrible. Trying to explain that to her she brushed it off. I actually at one point whispered to Andy, "I don't like this." She took my blood, started my IV and walked away. No caring, no compassion came from her....Until...
The doctor came in and was very nice. Seemingly a newer young physician he asked me my profession which until this point I hadn't mentioned. The nurse in the room immediately changed her demeanor and became overly sweet and nice to me. Noticeable to not only myself but the Dr and my husband.
The whole time spent there was quick and relatively painless. Thankfully I am ok and needed some hydration! I am grateful for both of those things.
I am not complaining about this woman, or anything else. What I am saying is that as a patient a little compassion and caring goes along way. Once the RN knew I was a nurse she became friendly. She related to me and her entire attitude changed. It made a world of difference in my overall experience there...
As a nurse that works in the ER I often think of it as a job like any one else. I truly care about my patients. I feel for them but sometimes I will admit I forget that they are there not feeling well. That they may be having the worst day of their lives....I shouldn't forget these things. It is important to look at the patients, call them by name and help them (and me) understand that they are looking to us for help. Andy said something (as per usual) today that was quite profound. "Regardless of what is going on while you are at work, you would never want to change roles with any of the patients you see in a shift." True!
I am glad that I am finally feeling better, but I am also thankful that I got to experience being a patient. It helps to put things into perspective. Gives me a great outlook as I head back to work later this week, after some much needed rest and hydration.
Sara, I am the emergency contact person for several people. Not to long ago I got a call that one of these people was being re-admitted, she had had a prior surgery about a week before, due to a severe wound infection. I met her at the er and sat with her during the "hurry up and wait" that always goes along with an emergency visit. The first nurse and staff was wonderful, all women by the way, attending to her pain and irritation of the wound area. Change of shift came and with it a new "male" in charge nurse. Not only was he rude he acted as if we were interupting his day. I am proud to say I am a fantastic advocate for my friend and family members who are in pain and made several trips to the nursing station to get the attention that was needed and deserved. Fortunately the aids were great. Once I had this friend settled in her room I made a writted complaint about this person. When you are dealing with ill, injured people one of the first qualities you must posses is compassion. This man had none.
ReplyDeleteI admire all in your chosen profession. If they all had the empathy and compassion you posses no patient would have to endure less then appropriate care. You keep up the high standards. I am also also known to tell supervisors about exceptional care recieved.
Glad your feeling better. Hugs to you and Andy. Aunt Dede