Through the Eyes of a Patient

[Emily65Roses]

I do agree with Lauren's main point. The way the speech is currently written, at least, has a condescending air to it. I imagine it wasn't intended, but that's the way it sounds for the time being.

Whether you choose to teach about the disease or the emotional aspect is up to you... but either way, I'd write it a little differently. Let me see if I can find an example...

Okay:
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Please don't leave me in a room by myself for to long.. I don't feel good, please remember, and I am scared and anxious..I would like to know what is going on, even if you don't have the test results back yet.. Please talk to me and tell me.</end quote></div>
While this is important information because the doctors and nurses should have good beside manner, it's not up to them to keep us company. Especially if the ER is like ERs usually are, and even remotely busy. That's what family and friends are for. If you're really that lonely, call up a friend. Most sensible friends would come visit someone in the ER.

You see what I'm saying? Talking about the emotional side isn't a bad idea, I'd just give it a rewrite.

 

[Emily65Roses]

I do agree with Lauren's main point. The way the speech is currently written, at least, has a condescending air to it. I imagine it wasn't intended, but that's the way it sounds for the time being.

Whether you choose to teach about the disease or the emotional aspect is up to you... but either way, I'd write it a little differently. Let me see if I can find an example...

Okay:
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Please don't leave me in a room by myself for to long.. I don't feel good, please remember, and I am scared and anxious..I would like to know what is going on, even if you don't have the test results back yet.. Please talk to me and tell me.</end quote></div>
While this is important information because the doctors and nurses should have good beside manner, it's not up to them to keep us company. Especially if the ER is like ERs usually are, and even remotely busy. That's what family and friends are for. If you're really that lonely, call up a friend. Most sensible friends would come visit someone in the ER.

You see what I'm saying? Talking about the emotional side isn't a bad idea, I'd just give it a rewrite.

 

[beleache]

Hey Jennifer, this is a subject near and dear to my heart, as it is for any patient in the emergency room. it is frightening to say the least..i would hope and pray that every medical health care worker takes into account that the job they signed up for requires so much more than being able to do it correctly.... there is a whole other issue here. you are dealing with scared, anxious and sometimes confused people. (especially in the e.r.) weather the patient is 5, 55 or 95 everone should be treated with compassion, great care and respect..you should treat some one the way you would want to be treated... when a person takes on the responsibilty of caring for others, it is not just any job, it is much, much more, you are not only dealing with lives, but with there emotionial state of mind. i know it's a hard job, but i would hope that they fully understand, no matter what condition the patient appears to be in, that they are there for a reason, and most likley a good one, it doesn't take much to have a smile on your face and so a little compassion for your patient..it could make a huge difference to someone...whew, i think i needed to vent.... thanks ... Joni .. 55 y/o f w c/f p.s. this goes for doctors as well...

 

[beleache]

Hey Jennifer, this is a subject near and dear to my heart, as it is for any patient in the emergency room. it is frightening to say the least..i would hope and pray that every medical health care worker takes into account that the job they signed up for requires so much more than being able to do it correctly.... there is a whole other issue here. you are dealing with scared, anxious and sometimes confused people. (especially in the e.r.) weather the patient is 5, 55 or 95 everone should be treated with compassion, great care and respect..you should treat some one the way you would want to be treated... when a person takes on the responsibilty of caring for others, it is not just any job, it is much, much more, you are not only dealing with lives, but with there emotionial state of mind. i know it's a hard job, but i would hope that they fully understand, no matter what condition the patient appears to be in, that they are there for a reason, and most likley a good one, it doesn't take much to have a smile on your face and so a little compassion for your patient..it could make a huge difference to someone...whew, i think i needed to vent.... thanks ... Joni .. 55 y/o f w c/f p.s. this goes for doctors as well...

 

[beleache]

Hey Jennifer, this is a subject near and dear to my heart, as it is for any patient in the emergency room. it is frightening to say the least..i would hope and pray that every medical health care worker takes into account that the job they signed up for requires so much more than being able to do it correctly.... there is a whole other issue here. you are dealing with scared, anxious and sometimes confused people. (especially in the e.r.) weather the patient is 5, 55 or 95 everone should be treated with compassion, great care and respect..you should treat some one the way you would want to be treated... when a person takes on the responsibilty of caring for others, it is not just any job, it is much, much more, you are not only dealing with lives, but with there emotionial state of mind. i know it's a hard job, but i would hope that they fully understand, no matter what condition the patient appears to be in, that they are there for a reason, and most likley a good one, it doesn't take much to have a smile on your face and so a little compassion for your patient..it could make a huge difference to someone...whew, i think i needed to vent.... thanks ... Joni .. 55 y/o f w c/f p.s. this goes for doctors as well...

 

[JustDucky]

Jenn this is a great subject! In fact, I know of some medical schools who actually have their med students be patients. They are given a disorder to work up and go through the tests, just as a real patient would. Harvard I believe was one of them, I don't know if they still do this. The med students wore the same gowns, got the same treatment (or a placebo if it would hurt them to get treatment for let's say heart failure, lasix wouldn't be a good drug to give to a perfectly healthy person). They did this for a week...most of the students had a different perspective of patients after their experiences.
I myself (as probably most of this board's population) have been at the mercy of an ER at one point of another. You do address fear, (of procedures, all of the docs etc. ) frustration (docs not coming in to tell you what is going on), isolation (laying on a cot for hours sometimes), depersonalization (you think that you are more like a number or specimen than a patient- hate that, interns go room to room and make you feel like a bug under a microscope) anger (again, goes with lack of communication), feeling like you are a bother (don't want to ask for anything, don't want to be a "pain") There is just so many emotions I know I haven't covered.
I do like your piece...I wish I remembered a poem that was posted on the bullitin board of a nursing home when I did do convalescent care. It spoke of an elderly lady who was labeled crotchety, looked at like a chore by most staff. But then she talked about how when others saw her like she was now, they neglected to see a woman who raised a family, survived the Depression, loved to dance, had cherished reading and now could not because of her failing eyes. I might have gotten a few details wrong, but the point is the same. Many times professionals see only a patient, but not who they are. I blame (partly) the way healthcare is today, overworked nurses as well as other profesionals, with high ratios, on med surg (prior to my ICU stint), it wasn't unusual for me to have 8-10 patients! Now that may not seem like alot but that included post ops, admissions and other medically complex folks as well as charting and giving meds. I loved hands on care, loved to sit with my patients and hold their hands...but sometimes because of the way policy was, it made it hard for me to do so. That's why I transferred to ICU. I do believe that it is the little things that count the most, a backrub, a quick sit down with a scared patient, giving them a much needed shave when it had been weeks since their last one...little things. I think alot of nurses and other professionals realize this, but some become so detatched, only become focused on their immediate orders, that they forget that those people lying in those beds are human with emotions, just like them, and probably scared, angry, frustrated etc.....

Just one nurse to another...hugs and love , Jenn <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
PS...I am working on finishing my BSN, turns out that I have less than a year to go. Maybe I will do staff education (because of my vent, CF it would be a better choice- my doc is excited for me) My old hospital is happy to hear this so we will see. Just one step at a time, right??

 

[JustDucky]

Jenn this is a great subject! In fact, I know of some medical schools who actually have their med students be patients. They are given a disorder to work up and go through the tests, just as a real patient would. Harvard I believe was one of them, I don't know if they still do this. The med students wore the same gowns, got the same treatment (or a placebo if it would hurt them to get treatment for let's say heart failure, lasix wouldn't be a good drug to give to a perfectly healthy person). They did this for a week...most of the students had a different perspective of patients after their experiences.
I myself (as probably most of this board's population) have been at the mercy of an ER at one point of another. You do address fear, (of procedures, all of the docs etc. ) frustration (docs not coming in to tell you what is going on), isolation (laying on a cot for hours sometimes), depersonalization (you think that you are more like a number or specimen than a patient- hate that, interns go room to room and make you feel like a bug under a microscope) anger (again, goes with lack of communication), feeling like you are a bother (don't want to ask for anything, don't want to be a "pain") There is just so many emotions I know I haven't covered.
I do like your piece...I wish I remembered a poem that was posted on the bullitin board of a nursing home when I did do convalescent care. It spoke of an elderly lady who was labeled crotchety, looked at like a chore by most staff. But then she talked about how when others saw her like she was now, they neglected to see a woman who raised a family, survived the Depression, loved to dance, had cherished reading and now could not because of her failing eyes. I might have gotten a few details wrong, but the point is the same. Many times professionals see only a patient, but not who they are. I blame (partly) the way healthcare is today, overworked nurses as well as other profesionals, with high ratios, on med surg (prior to my ICU stint), it wasn't unusual for me to have 8-10 patients! Now that may not seem like alot but that included post ops, admissions and other medically complex folks as well as charting and giving meds. I loved hands on care, loved to sit with my patients and hold their hands...but sometimes because of the way policy was, it made it hard for me to do so. That's why I transferred to ICU. I do believe that it is the little things that count the most, a backrub, a quick sit down with a scared patient, giving them a much needed shave when it had been weeks since their last one...little things. I think alot of nurses and other professionals realize this, but some become so detatched, only become focused on their immediate orders, that they forget that those people lying in those beds are human with emotions, just like them, and probably scared, angry, frustrated etc.....

Just one nurse to another...hugs and love , Jenn <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
PS...I am working on finishing my BSN, turns out that I have less than a year to go. Maybe I will do staff education (because of my vent, CF it would be a better choice- my doc is excited for me) My old hospital is happy to hear this so we will see. Just one step at a time, right??

 

[JustDucky]

Jenn this is a great subject! In fact, I know of some medical schools who actually have their med students be patients. They are given a disorder to work up and go through the tests, just as a real patient would. Harvard I believe was one of them, I don't know if they still do this. The med students wore the same gowns, got the same treatment (or a placebo if it would hurt them to get treatment for let's say heart failure, lasix wouldn't be a good drug to give to a perfectly healthy person). They did this for a week...most of the students had a different perspective of patients after their experiences.
I myself (as probably most of this board's population) have been at the mercy of an ER at one point of another. You do address fear, (of procedures, all of the docs etc. ) frustration (docs not coming in to tell you what is going on), isolation (laying on a cot for hours sometimes), depersonalization (you think that you are more like a number or specimen than a patient- hate that, interns go room to room and make you feel like a bug under a microscope) anger (again, goes with lack of communication), feeling like you are a bother (don't want to ask for anything, don't want to be a "pain") There is just so many emotions I know I haven't covered.
I do like your piece...I wish I remembered a poem that was posted on the bullitin board of a nursing home when I did do convalescent care. It spoke of an elderly lady who was labeled crotchety, looked at like a chore by most staff. But then she talked about how when others saw her like she was now, they neglected to see a woman who raised a family, survived the Depression, loved to dance, had cherished reading and now could not because of her failing eyes. I might have gotten a few details wrong, but the point is the same. Many times professionals see only a patient, but not who they are. I blame (partly) the way healthcare is today, overworked nurses as well as other profesionals, with high ratios, on med surg (prior to my ICU stint), it wasn't unusual for me to have 8-10 patients! Now that may not seem like alot but that included post ops, admissions and other medically complex folks as well as charting and giving meds. I loved hands on care, loved to sit with my patients and hold their hands...but sometimes because of the way policy was, it made it hard for me to do so. That's why I transferred to ICU. I do believe that it is the little things that count the most, a backrub, a quick sit down with a scared patient, giving them a much needed shave when it had been weeks since their last one...little things. I think alot of nurses and other professionals realize this, but some become so detatched, only become focused on their immediate orders, that they forget that those people lying in those beds are human with emotions, just like them, and probably scared, angry, frustrated etc.....

Just one nurse to another...hugs and love , Jenn <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
PS...I am working on finishing my BSN, turns out that I have less than a year to go. Maybe I will do staff education (because of my vent, CF it would be a better choice- my doc is excited for me) My old hospital is happy to hear this so we will see. Just one step at a time, right??

 

[JennifersHope]

Thanks Jenn I appreciate your support,, I have shown a revised piece of what I wrote around at work THEY LOVE IT,,,, IN fact they are going to put it on all three campuses....

I am so pleased. I am pretty respected at my job as far as what I say about being a paitent goes, because Lord knows I know both sides....

Honestly, if it helps one person feel more secure it is worth it to me

I am so excited for you to go back to school. You will make a wonderful educator because you truley know both sides...

THanks again for your words..

Jennifer

 

[JennifersHope]

Thanks Jenn I appreciate your support,, I have shown a revised piece of what I wrote around at work THEY LOVE IT,,,, IN fact they are going to put it on all three campuses....

I am so pleased. I am pretty respected at my job as far as what I say about being a paitent goes, because Lord knows I know both sides....

Honestly, if it helps one person feel more secure it is worth it to me

I am so excited for you to go back to school. You will make a wonderful educator because you truley know both sides...

THanks again for your words..

Jennifer

 

[JennifersHope]

Thanks Jenn I appreciate your support,, I have shown a revised piece of what I wrote around at work THEY LOVE IT,,,, IN fact they are going to put it on all three campuses....

I am so pleased. I am pretty respected at my job as far as what I say about being a paitent goes, because Lord knows I know both sides....

Honestly, if it helps one person feel more secure it is worth it to me

I am so excited for you to go back to school. You will make a wonderful educator because you truley know both sides...

THanks again for your words..

Jennifer

 

[thefrogprincess]

Cool idea! I was just in the ER twice so I will tell you about my experiences, which over-all were pretty good, but there was some stuff that I wish was different. So here goes....

When someone is in pain do not make them ask for or wait for relief! The first time I was in the ER it took about 2 hours before I got something for pain. It didn't work, the doc said he would get something else for me but never did! The second time I was in it took about an hour to get some morphine (and I was in SERIOUS pain this time, I could harly move) and even then my husband had to ask the doctor for it! She was getting ready to leave the room and my husband said "Can she get something for pain?" The doc was like "Oh, you need something?" Hello! That's why I'm here!

Don't put the IV line in my elbow! I know there is easier access to the vein but it is really uncomfortable and if I am admitted it will just have to be moved which means another stick for me.

Keep me updated. If the lab is being slow that day, let me know so I don't think you forgot about me.

If you want a urine sample, just bring me the cup. Don't make me wait until my bladder is about to explode and then I still have to call a nurse for it.

Work as hard as you can to find out what is wrong with me. I just get more scared if you say you don't know and send me home.

If there is a shift change while I am there, don't make me repeat all of the same information I already gave to someone else. I know its all in the chart. If you need clarification that's fine, but most likely my symptoms haven't changed. It makes me feel like you didn't even look at the chart.

Most important, listen to what I have to say! One nurse said "Do you have CF everywhere or just you lungs?" And before I could say "everywhere" she said "Just your lungs huh?" Let me answer the question!

Keep in mind that I am not a child and you should not talk down to me, but also that I am not a doctor and I may not understand all of your terminology, no matter how experienced with hospitals.

The previous critisism was delivered a little harshly, but it was kind of accurate. I know you came looking for help on your project which is great! But that is how I would have been feeling if I was a kid. Not that an adult won't be scared, but an adult is more likely to speak up if they are uncomfortable. Instead of saying "What are you doing with that needle?" say something like, "Please keep me posted on what test you are ordering, I want to know what is going on with my care."

Good luck with your project! I agree that it is better do a patient perspective than something on a disease which can be looked up at any time.

 

[thefrogprincess]

Cool idea! I was just in the ER twice so I will tell you about my experiences, which over-all were pretty good, but there was some stuff that I wish was different. So here goes....

When someone is in pain do not make them ask for or wait for relief! The first time I was in the ER it took about 2 hours before I got something for pain. It didn't work, the doc said he would get something else for me but never did! The second time I was in it took about an hour to get some morphine (and I was in SERIOUS pain this time, I could harly move) and even then my husband had to ask the doctor for it! She was getting ready to leave the room and my husband said "Can she get something for pain?" The doc was like "Oh, you need something?" Hello! That's why I'm here!

Don't put the IV line in my elbow! I know there is easier access to the vein but it is really uncomfortable and if I am admitted it will just have to be moved which means another stick for me.

Keep me updated. If the lab is being slow that day, let me know so I don't think you forgot about me.

If you want a urine sample, just bring me the cup. Don't make me wait until my bladder is about to explode and then I still have to call a nurse for it.

Work as hard as you can to find out what is wrong with me. I just get more scared if you say you don't know and send me home.

If there is a shift change while I am there, don't make me repeat all of the same information I already gave to someone else. I know its all in the chart. If you need clarification that's fine, but most likely my symptoms haven't changed. It makes me feel like you didn't even look at the chart.

Most important, listen to what I have to say! One nurse said "Do you have CF everywhere or just you lungs?" And before I could say "everywhere" she said "Just your lungs huh?" Let me answer the question!

Keep in mind that I am not a child and you should not talk down to me, but also that I am not a doctor and I may not understand all of your terminology, no matter how experienced with hospitals.

The previous critisism was delivered a little harshly, but it was kind of accurate. I know you came looking for help on your project which is great! But that is how I would have been feeling if I was a kid. Not that an adult won't be scared, but an adult is more likely to speak up if they are uncomfortable. Instead of saying "What are you doing with that needle?" say something like, "Please keep me posted on what test you are ordering, I want to know what is going on with my care."

Good luck with your project! I agree that it is better do a patient perspective than something on a disease which can be looked up at any time.

 

[thefrogprincess]

Cool idea! I was just in the ER twice so I will tell you about my experiences, which over-all were pretty good, but there was some stuff that I wish was different. So here goes....

When someone is in pain do not make them ask for or wait for relief! The first time I was in the ER it took about 2 hours before I got something for pain. It didn't work, the doc said he would get something else for me but never did! The second time I was in it took about an hour to get some morphine (and I was in SERIOUS pain this time, I could harly move) and even then my husband had to ask the doctor for it! She was getting ready to leave the room and my husband said "Can she get something for pain?" The doc was like "Oh, you need something?" Hello! That's why I'm here!

Don't put the IV line in my elbow! I know there is easier access to the vein but it is really uncomfortable and if I am admitted it will just have to be moved which means another stick for me.

Keep me updated. If the lab is being slow that day, let me know so I don't think you forgot about me.

If you want a urine sample, just bring me the cup. Don't make me wait until my bladder is about to explode and then I still have to call a nurse for it.

Work as hard as you can to find out what is wrong with me. I just get more scared if you say you don't know and send me home.

If there is a shift change while I am there, don't make me repeat all of the same information I already gave to someone else. I know its all in the chart. If you need clarification that's fine, but most likely my symptoms haven't changed. It makes me feel like you didn't even look at the chart.

Most important, listen to what I have to say! One nurse said "Do you have CF everywhere or just you lungs?" And before I could say "everywhere" she said "Just your lungs huh?" Let me answer the question!

Keep in mind that I am not a child and you should not talk down to me, but also that I am not a doctor and I may not understand all of your terminology, no matter how experienced with hospitals.

The previous critisism was delivered a little harshly, but it was kind of accurate. I know you came looking for help on your project which is great! But that is how I would have been feeling if I was a kid. Not that an adult won't be scared, but an adult is more likely to speak up if they are uncomfortable. Instead of saying "What are you doing with that needle?" say something like, "Please keep me posted on what test you are ordering, I want to know what is going on with my care."

Good luck with your project! I agree that it is better do a patient perspective than something on a disease which can be looked up at any time.

 

[JennifersHope]

Thanks.. Great input... I guess you can tell I work in the Peds Emergency room a lot... as evidenced by "what are you going to do with that needle" I think I meant a lot of times I see nurses going to start IV's or draw blood on patients and they are so busy they just go to do it .. without explaining it.. I work in a very busy, fast paced emergency room.. and the nurses move fast ..

It is a matter of survival for us. We don't move fast.. we sink.. and sometimes in the midst of it all.. we lose sight of the fact that we are treating human beings.. I can honestly tell you in my experience.. adults react just as bad if not worse then most children do to getting a needle...

Jesse.. I love your input you are right.. Thanks....a very good point about explaining all the tests that are ordered.. many times even I say to the patient "the doctor wants me to draw some blood for some tests" I should be more specific....

ALso about the new nurse coming on asking questions.. I don't know if that will change.. Usually when the new nurse comes on, she is legally responsible to do her own assessment.. It is her/his liscense on the line... I know I reveiw the chart and then go in and introduce myself to the patient.. often times I will go back over to clarify stuff.

Also when I am going off my shift I go around and tell my patients and give them updates on their status..

I really think all nurses and doctors should have to experience what it is like to be a patient.. to have to pee but to be strapped down with wires.. I think they should be stuck in a room listening to a beeping IV just because they bent their arm.

I am not saying that to be rude.. I am a nurse. I highly respect nurses.. it normally is a thankless job.. I am saying it because I just think they don't have a clue.

I also laughed about the IV in the elbow.. or as we call it the AC.. I often put it in the AC because it is easier and I am a newer nurse.. I am really working on not doing that...

Thanks again for the great advice.. and for taking the time to help me

Jennifer

 

[JennifersHope]

Thanks.. Great input... I guess you can tell I work in the Peds Emergency room a lot... as evidenced by "what are you going to do with that needle" I think I meant a lot of times I see nurses going to start IV's or draw blood on patients and they are so busy they just go to do it .. without explaining it.. I work in a very busy, fast paced emergency room.. and the nurses move fast ..

It is a matter of survival for us. We don't move fast.. we sink.. and sometimes in the midst of it all.. we lose sight of the fact that we are treating human beings.. I can honestly tell you in my experience.. adults react just as bad if not worse then most children do to getting a needle...

Jesse.. I love your input you are right.. Thanks....a very good point about explaining all the tests that are ordered.. many times even I say to the patient "the doctor wants me to draw some blood for some tests" I should be more specific....

ALso about the new nurse coming on asking questions.. I don't know if that will change.. Usually when the new nurse comes on, she is legally responsible to do her own assessment.. It is her/his liscense on the line... I know I reveiw the chart and then go in and introduce myself to the patient.. often times I will go back over to clarify stuff.

Also when I am going off my shift I go around and tell my patients and give them updates on their status..

I really think all nurses and doctors should have to experience what it is like to be a patient.. to have to pee but to be strapped down with wires.. I think they should be stuck in a room listening to a beeping IV just because they bent their arm.

I am not saying that to be rude.. I am a nurse. I highly respect nurses.. it normally is a thankless job.. I am saying it because I just think they don't have a clue.

I also laughed about the IV in the elbow.. or as we call it the AC.. I often put it in the AC because it is easier and I am a newer nurse.. I am really working on not doing that...

Thanks again for the great advice.. and for taking the time to help me

Jennifer

 

[JennifersHope]

Thanks.. Great input... I guess you can tell I work in the Peds Emergency room a lot... as evidenced by "what are you going to do with that needle" I think I meant a lot of times I see nurses going to start IV's or draw blood on patients and they are so busy they just go to do it .. without explaining it.. I work in a very busy, fast paced emergency room.. and the nurses move fast ..

It is a matter of survival for us. We don't move fast.. we sink.. and sometimes in the midst of it all.. we lose sight of the fact that we are treating human beings.. I can honestly tell you in my experience.. adults react just as bad if not worse then most children do to getting a needle...

Jesse.. I love your input you are right.. Thanks....a very good point about explaining all the tests that are ordered.. many times even I say to the patient "the doctor wants me to draw some blood for some tests" I should be more specific....

ALso about the new nurse coming on asking questions.. I don't know if that will change.. Usually when the new nurse comes on, she is legally responsible to do her own assessment.. It is her/his liscense on the line... I know I reveiw the chart and then go in and introduce myself to the patient.. often times I will go back over to clarify stuff.

Also when I am going off my shift I go around and tell my patients and give them updates on their status..

I really think all nurses and doctors should have to experience what it is like to be a patient.. to have to pee but to be strapped down with wires.. I think they should be stuck in a room listening to a beeping IV just because they bent their arm.

I am not saying that to be rude.. I am a nurse. I highly respect nurses.. it normally is a thankless job.. I am saying it because I just think they don't have a clue.

I also laughed about the IV in the elbow.. or as we call it the AC.. I often put it in the AC because it is easier and I am a newer nurse.. I am really working on not doing that...

Thanks again for the great advice.. and for taking the time to help me

Jennifer

 

[JazzysMom]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Blake</b></i>

I had to respond because, yes, it does need work. You make it sound like you're being the victim (as usual) and everyone else is causing you all these worries so you must tell them off.



Nobody is helpless when you go in. Why do you sit around and wait for someone to ask if you're in pain? You have a mouth, tell them. I've never lacked anything in the ER or hospital because I have a big mouth I guess.



If I were working in the hospital and saw that write up in a newsletter, I'd throw it in the trash. JMO...</end quote></div>


I think for those of us who are "use" to the healthcare environment and have seen the chaos & the lights/whistles/activity associated with things that it might be more tolerable & we might be able to speak up. For the average patient I dont think its that easy. If you are in pain or scared your ability tends to be more stifled then it might already be. When dealing with peds I would think its harder because you have a child who is scared and a parent trying to console them while listening, questioning & processing whatever info is being given to them.

 

[JazzysMom]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Blake</b></i>

I had to respond because, yes, it does need work. You make it sound like you're being the victim (as usual) and everyone else is causing you all these worries so you must tell them off.



Nobody is helpless when you go in. Why do you sit around and wait for someone to ask if you're in pain? You have a mouth, tell them. I've never lacked anything in the ER or hospital because I have a big mouth I guess.



If I were working in the hospital and saw that write up in a newsletter, I'd throw it in the trash. JMO...</end quote></div>


I think for those of us who are "use" to the healthcare environment and have seen the chaos & the lights/whistles/activity associated with things that it might be more tolerable & we might be able to speak up. For the average patient I dont think its that easy. If you are in pain or scared your ability tends to be more stifled then it might already be. When dealing with peds I would think its harder because you have a child who is scared and a parent trying to console them while listening, questioning & processing whatever info is being given to them.

 

[JazzysMom]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Blake</b></i>

I had to respond because, yes, it does need work. You make it sound like you're being the victim (as usual) and everyone else is causing you all these worries so you must tell them off.



Nobody is helpless when you go in. Why do you sit around and wait for someone to ask if you're in pain? You have a mouth, tell them. I've never lacked anything in the ER or hospital because I have a big mouth I guess.



If I were working in the hospital and saw that write up in a newsletter, I'd throw it in the trash. JMO...</end quote></div>


I think for those of us who are "use" to the healthcare environment and have seen the chaos & the lights/whistles/activity associated with things that it might be more tolerable & we might be able to speak up. For the average patient I dont think its that easy. If you are in pain or scared your ability tends to be more stifled then it might already be. When dealing with peds I would think its harder because you have a child who is scared and a parent trying to console them while listening, questioning & processing whatever info is being given to them.