As a consumer of health care and health care professional, I can see the extreme importance of therapeutic relationships and communication to convey caring. I remember when I had my first baby, among all the pain and anxiety, I clearly remember how I was comforted and treated with respect by the nurses at North York General Hospital. Even though I don’t remember their names, I will always appreciate the words of comfort and encouragement.As a practicing nurse, I find it unfortunate that I sometimes witness a lack of therapeutic communication and compassion from other nurses. At times I wonder, was that nurse always like that? Why did she/he go into nursing? Nevertheless, I am glad to see that there are genuinely caring nurses out there that take the time to build therapeutic relationships and treat clients with dignity and respect. To all the nurses that genuinely love their job and truly care for people, I salute you. Please never ever get disheartened.
I have also encountered some uncompassionate nurses in my short nursing career. I’ve wondered, what might have prompted them to act this way. Is it job-related stress, personal turmoil or perhaps just another gloomy day at “work”. And I’ve asked the same question. Why did this nurse enter into nursing? ...Since, at the end, you’ll be judged not by how many pills you crashed but how you’ve interacted with you patients and colleagues. Where is caring, compassion and commitment? So, I am tempted to think that comportment counts the most.
ReplyDelete