Make it a great day! S
When patients share their story, I find that they have more in common than what anyone would realize. Today I had one person that was coming back for her yearly check and is was very quiet and it was hard to find her smile. When I asked if everything was all right, she told me how she is fine most of the time but when it is time for her recheck and pulling in the drive, she finds she feels like she just got knocked down again. I don't know that I have every found a survivor that didn't express the same concern, myself included. I had another patient today that is facing yet another biopsy and she was like a cat on a hot tin roof and said I feel like I am playing Russian Roulette. Again, that is a normal voiced statement. Having been through treatment and surgery once, patients just hold the hope that each time it will be ok. It makes me think back when I was in school and you tried to bargain with God to help you pass this test and you will promise to be or do better in some way. Looking in the lobby and seeing people waiting for their test results, or treatment, you can see the strain that they are experiencing. That is why I think as staff people we need to be more cognizant and put that smile on our face and take a moment to speak to them, shake their hand and acknowledge that it is nice to see them and what can we do to help? Have you heard these words or had this experience? Many times people will share horror stories rather than the good ones and it amazes me why we tend to gravitate to the negative. Hand out smiles and hope, that is the motto a healthcare worker should have. So, I will stop and talk or listen whatever you need. Please share, that is what I am here for.
Make it a great day! S
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorMy name is Sue Kilburn and I am a clinical nurse breast cancer educator at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Archives
March 2015
Categories |