I belong to an online nursing group where many things are posted; educational things, funny nursing stories, the never ending covid information, people asking for advice and things like that. A few weeks ago, someone asked a question that got lots of attention. The question was "What is something you would like to tell patients and their families?"
There were answers like:
Don't go to Google for medical advice
Your pain level isn't 10 if you are talking and laughing
Your Doctor and nurse did graduate and you may want to listen to them...
That is a terrible thing to name your baby!
But one thing came up over and over again and that was:
This is not the Hilton
We are not your servants
Please be nice
Then this week, a new campaign was launched through the group I work for. This is a huge group - covering numerous hospitals, doctors' offices, urgent care facilities... And they are all seeing the shortage of staff being made worse because people are quitting due to the rudeness, mean people, entitled family members. It's a sad situation.
Here is the message we all got about this campaign which will be going up on billboards, signs in the hospitals and offices, and out into the internet.
The Helpers need your help!
This is the new marketing campaign launched this week… although it saddens me that we need to publish this request, I am also thankful that our organization is recognizing the
hurt and supporting us. I have heard many of you say, “I love my job, but the patients are HARD to deal with”. I hear you. There is minimal empathy circulating in our communities
right now. I’m asking you to hold on… focus on those patients who are kind, who you’re saving, and who you can impact in a positive way! YOU GOT THIS!
I know this is a problem, not just in the medical community but wherever people are dealing with people, and all the things we have been dealt with covid has made it worse. But, it makes me sad!
Are any of you seeing this issue?
18 comments:
I see this issue constantly!! Impatience, rudeness, no consideration of others, and downright lack of common sense!!
Hi Mari, I know this is happening and it makes me so sad and upset. Our health care providers are saving so many lives every single day! It's amazing. You all bless us and our world. I know from experience that having a family member in ICU is extremely stressful, but kindness is always in order. I am even seeing the rudeness and snarkiness extend into blogland - which has been a safe and positive place for so many of us for so many years. Of course, I have mentioned on my blog that I see so much of it at school. Teens will be teens, but it seems to be getting worse. Good behavior and accountability is non-existent for many - and we are seeing that in an uptick in school violence, again. Prayers for all of our health care workers on the front lines every day, keeping so many alive and healthy. We need you all. Thank God you are there.
Hello Mari! Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog...
I'm so happy you're going to try the Dutch Baby recipe! It's always a big hit in our house...You can load it up with anything you like; blueberries, raspberries, bananas...endless list.
I, myself, am a retired LVN in Texas. The things some patients come up with to hurt and humiliate the nursing staff is beyond the pale. Covid is indeed putting a strain on Texas hospitals, as well.
I hope this day finds you well and safe...Drop by anytime!
hughugs
Donna
Yes, and I am not a nurse but a warehouse grocery worker. Every.single.day. there is less and less empathy. It's horrible...I believe it's the mandates that have bought out the worse in folks, just saying. Or perhaps, it's always been there, I don't know...just so sad.
So sad...wishing you a beautiful day, Mari. AND keeping all you nurse's and dr.'s in prayer.
Good luck.
It is a difficult time for sure and is always right to be nice.
Hope the campaign works, my Dear.
I try to smile.
Which of course, is nearly impossible to recognize, with masks on.
But a couple of weeks ago, when I had a procedure, I said to a nurse who came by my cot.... "I automatically smile at people, but they can't see it, with the mask." And she said: "Can see it, in your eyes." Quite sweet.
And of course, they were all lovely, and some, even fun. So nice when one is in a situation, which is worrying. Btw, it was all fine.
Gentle hugs
⛄ Half way between 🌺
Yes, I've noticed an edge lately and it's upsetting. Unfortunately, it seems be everywhere, however, I know the healthcare workers have been under a tremendous amount of pressure for too long now and are taking the brunt of it. A little kindness goes a long, long way. Plus, it always amazes me that people choose to be rude to the very people who are working hard to care for them or their loved ones. Um...hello.
I can't imagine the stress level medical people have to put up with. And this is yet another reason why I refuse to wear the slave mask. One can't see me smilin' when I'm talkin' and jokin'. I try to always compliment others or keep my mouth shut. I've adopted that attitude for many, many years. So sorry this happens to others. I pray often and medical folks (police, etc.) are right up there at the top.
Blessings. xx
The world is turning more and more selfish where people only think of themselves.
I pray about this often.
Yes. This new campaign is brilliant and I sure hope it helps soften some attitudes. It costs nothing to be nice - to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Simple as that but it sure has gotten lost in our current covid-tired world. Very sad. Let us know if your community starts noticing changes! xo
It is so sad Mari. I think our healthcare workers are our absolute treasures and saving graces right now! It hurts my heart that they are having such a rough time due to people being so awful. We have nurse shortages in some areas here too. I think it's kind of the same all over because, unfortunately, for all the reasonable folks out there - there seems to be double the twits. Sigh
God bless you and all you do! 🙏 💕
I see this happening too and it is so sad. My husband sees it a lot working in a grocery store. I can't even imagine being rude to anyone, but especially to doctors and nurses who are there bending over backwards to help us. Hope your projects helps.
Well my response probably will not be popular but so be it. You and I have talked about this Mari: The road goes both ways. I have had the good fortune to be cared for in medical situations by absolutely wonderful caregivers. However, it is my experience that the STAFF MEMBERS (non-nurses) at doctors offices and in hospitals, can be exceedingly rude. This actually causes me extreme anxiety; I have to force myself to go to my appointments and some, I have avoided for many years because I cannot face the women you have to deal with in these places. In my opinion, the women who work for ladies' doctors (female issues) are the worst. I cringe when I think of some of the things that have been said to me over the years. I am a compliant patient; I do what I am told and I don't understand where rudeness and contempt come in. So it really does go both ways.
That said, the last two years have seemed to bring something out in people that I think was always there (well, it's the sin nature), but for the most part we'd successfully kept a lid on it. It seems "okay" now for people in stores and the like to be openly hostile to folks who are just going about their business. Those with no authority seem to think it's fine now to order people around and even bully them. Not good. I have no desire to be unkind to anyone but I will stand up for myself if I have to.
For my part I will say, I do my best to be cooperative and friendly wherever I go. There have been times when I have failed but never in a situation where I was being treated by a medical professional. I have a truly wonderful doctor with a truly wonderful staff, and the same goes for my wonderful dentist. I am so thankful for all of them, and I am thankful that there are nurses out there like you. xoxo
Jenny - you are absolutely right. I'm sure that with the behavior we see in increasing in everyone else, some nice patients are having cranky nurses. So, yes, it goes for everyone - be nice!
I have several family members who are health care providers (one is a nurse on the COVID ward at a NYC hospital) and I always treat my own providers as I would like patients to treat my loved ones. Last a week a dear friend had a patient taunt her for wearing an N95 mask, asking her what she was afraid of, telling her she was weak and actually spit at her. This patient called saying that he had injured his knee and needed to be seen... he lied. He hadn't hurt his knee, he had a fever and a nasty cough... he tested positive for COVID. And I'll bet you will be shocked to know that he was not vaccinated. I think providers should have to option to not treat people like this. Show them the door and wish them luck finding another provider. Kindness and honesty always go a long ways and we, as a society, have traveled so far away from civility, kindness and honesty that I have my doubts that we will ever find our way back. The world is sad right now. ((hugs)) to you and all your co-workers and those in the medical profession. Most of us are cheering you on and praying like crazy for you.
Times are difficult, but we all need to practice manners, compassion, and understanding.
I don't work with the public anymore so personal experience I do not have. But, I've heard from many that it's a challenge. Lord help us to be kind!!
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