I’ve been providing healthcare in some form since I was a teen. This year it was my turn to be cared for. What I learned is that hardly anyone listens to the patient. It was a very frustrating. There was one sweet angel of a nurse that listened AND actually heard what the patient was trying to communicate and acted to improve the situation. One shift out of 5 is not acceptable to me. I was able to speak with a supervisor who was making rounds. She was very professional and employed active listening but nothing changed in my care after our conversation.
So, how do I make this a learning experience? The quick and dirty lesson is the oldest and most basic. COMMUNICATE! Even if you cannot do a thing about the predicament BE HONEST. If you’re unable to do a darn thing to help me; tell me! At least I’m not waiting for an answer / outcome that’s never coming.
