A bit of extra caring and a good feeling

[SeaCat]

I came into work today to find I had a new patient on my assignment. I knew absolutely nothing about this patient and entered her room cold. It was only when I entered the room that I found the patient to be a younger woman. She barely responded to my talking with her or moving her about. Her family though did respond, they hovered around the bed and me watching me with eagle eyes. I finally asked them where they were from and they told me. Now I could understand their reactions to my ministrations, they were Muslims.

They saw me several times during the day and each time I was careful to make sure at least one of them was in the room with me.

During this time I had to listen to the comments made by the R.N. taking care of the patient. She had absolutely no compassion for the patients or the patients family. I found myself appologising more than once for her comments.

Towards the end of the shift I had to go into the room once more. I had to position the patient. The patients mother, (who speaks no English) and her sister were in the room. I explained what I had to do and they had no problems with this. When I turned the patient we found that she was soaked much to the consternation of the family members. I told them this was not a problem and told them to wait a minute as I got what I needed. I returned to the room with everything I needed and got everything in order. It was then I found the brother and father waiting in the room as well. Both of them were unhappy but I told them to hold on for a minute.

It took me a couple of minutes to get everything ready. Sheets and pads were layed out just so. A basin of warm water with soap was at my side with plenty of washcloths and towels. I also had a sheet ready. Mom and Dad were placed at the head of the bed while sister and brother were at the foot of the bed. I spread the clean sheet out over the bed and had them each grab a corner. When they had done so I had them pull the sheet tight and lift it a bit. Now I could get to work.

I worked under that sheet. I removed her gown and bathed her. I rolled her from side to side while bathing her and changing the linens under her. I replaced her gown and positioned her then covered her. All of this was done by touch under that sheet. It was only when I was done that I permitted the sheet to be removed. (Yes this was a royal pain in the ass but that's life in the fast lane.)

About halfway through this the son asked me why I was doing this and I explained. I told him that my job was caring for patients. I told him that my personal education encompassed a bit of knowledge about other societies and religeons. I would not willingly break their tabboos unless it was medically needed. He and his sister questioned me and I found the discussion more than enlightening. Brother and sister translated my answers and the questions of the parents.

When I was finished the father and mother came up to me along with the patients siblings. The father shook hands with me and the mother hugged me as they thanked me.

The brother and sister than asked if I would be back tomorrow. They were unhappy that I wouldn't be. Then the brother told me that he was going to be writing a letter to the hospital about my caring for his sister and for his family. He informed me that he was more than impressed with the fact that I had not only understood their Social Mores but had gone out of my way to work around them.

To say that this gave me a good feeling would be an underestatement.

Cat

 

[glynndah]

 

[starrkers]

That file of yours will need its own cabinet soon - all the commendation letters you get!

What is sad about your stories, Cat, is that your treatment of patients is sufficiently unusual to warrant the letters; that the care you offer is so much more than others give, when it should be standard operational procedure.

 

[lisa123414]

Seacat - I have said it before and I don't mind saying it again - You are a breath of fresh air, some reason among the insanity that is life. Thank you for being you, and it goes without saying, if you ever need a job reference....

 

[Emerald_Dragon]

The more I read the more I like you Sea!!!!

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Good for you, Cat!

But let's not lump deeds and sentiments into the same bin.

I know people whose hearts are filled with every sweet sentiment there is, and they wont do shit to increase the comfort of anyone.

I know people (me) who cant care less about you, but act to make things better for you.

Which of the two is superior? Most people go for the warm & fuzzy sentiments.

 

[DesertPirate]

Cat, you are a good guy and a credit to your profession and upbringing.

 

[JagFarlane]

Things like that are the reason why Harvard Medical School changed thier course lineup for future doctors quite a bit. They found that doctors were starting to lack in bedside manner, which, as they point out, causes further issues for patients due to the feeling more like an experimental subject vice a human being. Harvard now requires doctors to take classes in bedside manner and takes them to the hospital to learn how to treat patients with respect.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

As if anyone can define 'respect.'

To the average patient 'respect' is holding their hand and listening to them whine about the flavor of Jello they get.

 

[JagFarlane]

As if anyone can define 'respect.'

To the average patient 'respect' is holding their hand and listening to them whine about the flavor of Jello they get.

This is untrue. And you attack it as if you are above all this. Truthfully most patients, respect is being described what will happen, and given that chance for just a bit of care. If you've ever had a nurse that just treats you as if you're dead weight in thier hospital...you'd understand.

 

[champagne1982]

As if anyone can define 'respect.'

To the average patient 'respect' is holding their hand and listening to them whine about the flavor of Jello they get.

How many times have you offered respect to a patient in a hospital? I've been on the receiving side of both respect and caring. Sometimes there are people who can provide both without judging or qualifying the patient's requests and comments as "whining".

It takes all kinds, JBJ, and I guess you're just one of those it takes.

 

[JagFarlane]

How many times have you offered respect to a patient in a hospital? I've been on the receiving side of both respect and caring. Sometimes there are people who can provide both without judging or qualifying the patient's requests and comments as "whining".

It takes all kinds, JBJ, and I guess you're just one of those it takes.

Often, a small complaint like that is something that is hiding of a bigger issue. But people will complain about the small thing, instead of the bigger problem because they're afraid of worse treatment if they complain about the bigger problem. Particularly in a hospital setting, where a lot of people are afraid. For those whom were generally healthy...having to go to the hospital is sometimes, a scary thing. First time being put under...fears that are brought up, particularly by news stories of those put under whom are still conscious but cannot move or speak. All of this comes to mind as they are laying upon that bed...awaiting surgery. Or even post surgery, when they are coming to, and they are hooked up to all sorts of machines, cannot move due to all the wires and junk, and perhaps are covered in bandages or unable to use something due to the surgery.

 

[champagne1982]

Often, a small complaint like that is something that is hiding of a bigger issue. But people will complain about the small thing, instead of the bigger problem because they're afraid of worse treatment if they complain about the bigger problem. Particularly in a hospital setting, where a lot of people are afraid. For those whom were generally healthy...having to go to the hospital is sometimes, a scary thing. First time being put under...fears that are brought up, particularly by news stories of those put under whom are still conscious but cannot move or speak. All of this comes to mind as they are laying upon that bed...awaiting surgery. Or even post surgery, when they are coming to, and they are hooked up to all sorts of machines, cannot move due to all the wires and junk, and perhaps are covered in bandages or unable to use something due to the surgery.

I have spent an inordinate amount of time in hospitals due to the need for painful surgeries to take care of painful and life-threatening conditions. Generally, complaining about the food or the temperature of the room or... shows distress at having control over your environment taken away through your circumstance of being in a hospital. When you can do nothing about how ill you feel or how much pain you're in, all that's left is to discuss the colour of the tasteless gelatin on your plate.

I describe my time in hospital as An eternity of sheer and utter boredom punctuated by instances of warm salad and cold soup.

 

[JagFarlane]

I have spent an inordinate amount of time in hospitals due to the need for painful surgeries to take care of painful and life-threatening conditions. Generally, complaining about the food or the temperature of the room or... shows distress at having control over your environment taken away through your circumstance of being in a hospital. When you can do nothing about how ill you feel or how much pain you're in, all that's left is to discuss the colour of the tasteless gelatin on your plate.

I describe my time in hospital as An eternity of sheer and utter boredom punctuated by instances of warm salad and cold soup.

Yup yup that is how life is sometimes with hospitals. And if you're a tobacco user, forget it...its a nightmare.

 

[SeaCat]

I am an odd bird in my field. I empathise with my patients and co-workers even as I refuse to become attached to them.

As a patient in the hospital you have lost many of your rights and freedoms. (Yes you can leave anytime you wish to as long as you aren't there under a Psych Eval. It's called going AMA and has it's own problems. The main one is your insurance won't honor your bill for the hospital stay.) While you are in the hospital you are limited as to what you can and can not do.

Often the patient feels like shit or is in pain. They are short of sleep. They are being woken up at odd hours and are often given food that they normally wouldn't eat. Often they are told what they can and can't eat. In most cases they are not given a choice as to what they can wear.

Because of this I cut them a break.

My co-workers deal with the never ending face of death and illness. They face human suffering for the entire time they are in work, this takes a toll on them. It's even worse when they become attached to their patients as they usually do.

Because of this I tend to cut them a break from time to time.

It's a hard line to walk for any of them. I have heard both patients and staff members whine over the little things and yet I can understand it.

Cat

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

I recall my last inpatient adventure.

It was 2AM when my IV bag emptied and the alarm started. I let it beep 30 minutes before I called the nurses station. My nurse was on the phone with her boyfriend trying to save their romance. Another nurse suggested to me that I needed to be patient and understanding.

Then there was the herd of students practicing sticking patients for IVs. The old girl who practiced on me bent 3 needles in my hand before I refused to cooperate.They got all excited.

People spend a lot on money for inpatient care. Staff takes the attitude that patients are prisoners.