Thursday, September 30, 2010

Do you deserve better? or Do they deserve better?

Good Thursday to all. Today will be a great day!
Yesterday, I went to a hospital and because of that I am writing today.
I notice that many times hospital employees look like it bothers them to be there at work. The reality of things is that they can be of healing for many people. I understand that they might have an expertise, but the personal skills and how they treat the patients is far more healing than the expertise. A smile and a greeting have healing power. I do not mean to offend anybody, but this is what I experienced yesterday. Among the many employees I saw yesterday, there was one that caught my attention. She was a technician that was wheeling the gurney with a patient on it. She was smiling and full of energy. I could tell she was different and that she enjoys her job. I spent about 20 minutes standing in line on a hallway; she was the only hospital person I saw with such an enthusiasm.
Let me make a quick analogy: when Soldiers go to combat, we become agents of change as well as becoming the face of our Great Country overseas. As you all know, part of our job overseas is to win the hearts and minds of the local nationals. If we are having a bad day, we have to hide it. If we are not motivated on a certain day, we fake the motivation. The way we project ourselves is the way we will be perceived. Having the wrong attitude can be detrimental to the mission and potentially others could get harmed. The same way medical professionals should be. When dealing with patients they should project the best attitude possible. They play a big role in the healing process of patients. Projecting the wrong attitude could potentially delay the healing of injuries, or it can cause emotional wounds to the people.
I fully understand that is hard to deal with some patients. So patients should have the right attitude too. Many patients think they deserve it all too. They think and have expressed that they are there to be pleased and they deserve everything. Even when they have the wrong attitude. We all need to understand that it is a two way relationship. We all have to do a little to make the experiences a little better. When going to a medical appointment, leave your attitude at home. The same goes to providers, when going to work, leave your attitude at home.
Try this on you next appointment, tell them: “Good morning, how are you?” or “How’s your day going?” or “Have a good day.” I have tried it and it makes the experience so much better. It makes it a pleasant experience. It brings a comfort to the environment. It is positive for all parties.
All I expressed here is based on my experience and opinion. Do not get offended if this applies to you. Be an instrument of change!

IT WILL ALL GET BETTER.

7 comments:

  1. WOW VICTOR YOU ARE SO , what is the word? Insightful! Is that a word? oh well.... YOU ARE THE MAN! Everyone, Head Juryed or not, needs to read your blog I think. People could learn so much. You amaze me. Most Bi's are ME, ME, ME. It's so wonderful to see someone thinking about other people. You are OLD and WISE for your age. Keep on with your good work.

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  2. Agreed! I just wanted to drop you a line and say thank you for your service to our country. You have given up a part of your life as you once knew it to defend our freedom and provide us safety in our homes. Thank you again, and I’m praying for a full and healthy recovery for you.

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  3. It really does make a huge difference. When I went to a hospital for a procedure my mom and I were floored by how happy and kind everyone we encountered was. It was a stark contrast to our typical experiences and made me much less anxious about the procedure and my recovery.

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  4. Great reminder that in everything we do we are agents of change and have the ability to spread good energy...no matter what our profession or role.

    Jill Bolte Taylor, in her book My Stroke of Insight, talks wonderfully about how the attitude of each medical staff effected her healing experience.

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  5. That certainly sums it up. How true this is. There are a few who care and have that bubbliy attitude. Wish that could spread around like the spending of our tax dollar.

    You hit it Victor, that is the whole part of healing and the major factor. Well said and put. Thank you for you support Victor.

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  6. WOW, that was great! You know that I exercise this on a daily basis. I work with the veterans' claims, I do not see them face to face, I mostly do the "paperwork". Last week one of my colleagues asked me: Melissa, why are you so passionate about the veterans? your father is a veteran right?!...WRONG! The only veteran who I have a relationship with is you...since you are my brother-in-law...well MY BROTHER, MY HERO! I answered that question to my fellow colleague (who is a veteran himself and do not project that much enthusiasm for each of his fellow servicemen claims) and said: "You know what? I do not need my father to be a veteran, I do not even need to see the vetran in person to feel his/her pain, anguish, and necessity. I treat every claim as if it is me, because I would want someone touching this paper with a heart and commitment...I would not like to be seen just as a claim number. They served us...it's our time! My colleague smiled and said that all should have this attutitude and that I'm very passionate. We laughed...I guess I'm passionate about my work, but working for veterans, shouldn't I? Is there such a thing as too much passion to serve?
    I don't think so...my family taught me that!
    Love, Mely ;)

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  7. "We all need to understand that it is a two way relationship. We all have to do a little to make the experiences a little better. When going to a medical appointment, leave your attitude at home. The same goes to providers, when going to work, leave your attitude at home."

    very insightful:) & awesome site:):) my family is career military, & I love what your doing to educate every1 about TBI. Thank u. I also second your thoughts about the therapeutic relationship being a two-way street. It's the relationship portion of counseling that can promote or inhibit healing.

    http://coffeecounsel.wordpress.com/

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