Thursday, December 12, 2013

Appreciation and Communication

Lulu is grateful for her snowflake blankie. 

Reader Julie recently made this eloquent comment that addresses gratitude. I thought it deserved it's own post, so here it is:

Despite some of our more difficulties with our complicated health and life, there are some really kind and empathetic people, as well. They stick out in my mind, and I hope I can remember to thank them.

For example, during Nurses' Week, I sent my rheum's nurse, a card. I have known her and my doc, for a lot of years. In it, I tried to explain how important her communication is, with me, or any of the patients. That I may be struggling so badly, and she is the lifeline, to give me encouragement, by the words she says, the tone of voice, the empathy that can be felt, while communicating what the doctor has said. At my next office visit, she told me she cried when she read it, and gave it to my rheum to read, as well.

I used to work as an office R.N. If I was able to go back to it, I think I would really remember how important of a role, that I could play in a patient's life. I may be the only one they talk to , as they struggle... I hope I was an empathetic nurse before, but what I have gone through, in my complex medical history has given me much more insight into how it is, for chronic disease sufferers. Day in, day out.  

What an excellent reminder not only to take time to appreciate others' empathy and kindness, but more importantly to communicate it as well. 

Betcha you were definitely an empathetic nurse, Julie. 

3 comments:

mcspires said...

My first thoughts when I read this writer's experiences were "That certainly is not the case with the nurse I have dealt with, hmmmmph!" but then a little voice inside my head said "maybe you should send a thank you anyway....positive encouragement may be just what she needs." I just may try that.

Julie said...

mcspires:

yes, I think taking a chance and giving that positive encouragement, to our healthcare providers also provides an opening for some education.

We can let them know how it is, from the patient's perspective, that they are literally our lifeline some days. When we are down in the dumps, they may be the only person that we talk to, that whole day. Maybe that will give them the insight to realize the power which they have, and how they can use it to improve their patients' lives. And anything that adds to that daily quality of life , is a positive.

If nothing else, nothing is ever wasted by offering kind words to others. You never know: you might be making a difference in THEIR day. And it just makes you feel good, to possibly brighten somebody else's day.

mcspires said...

Julie, you are so right!

Nursing has to be a tough job on a good day, so it must be very hard on a bad one!

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