Friday, September 26, 2008

Nurses

I've spent a good portion of my time this week in a hospital room at North Kansas City Hospital. I've been reminded, once again, that nurses are just like any other segment of society: there are great ones and mediocre ones. And even lousy ones.

My sister had major surgery this week. I'm sure my readers all agree that our family members are special, and we want the best treatment for them.

The day nurse yesterday insisted my sister take a walk with her. She made sure that, with her help, my sister got a nice shower. The wonderful night nurse who followed her explained why she was giving each medication my sister received after she began vomiting, and went out of her way to assist her in any way.

Then the new day nurse came on this morning. She never offered to take a walk with my sister. She never offered to help her shower. The most she did was to stick her head in the door twice and say, "Do ya need anything?"

I wish there were some way to tip good nurses, the way we tip a good waitress.

By the way, I'd say there are at least two good nurses for each lousy one.

3 comments:

  1. Write a letter to the nurses thanking them (name them) & send copies to HR.

    Hope your sister is doing well.

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  2. I agree with spyder, send a letter to the HR department. The nurses get enough complaints, it will make their day to have someone take the time to give them a pat on the back. My mother goes in on Monday so I will be spending a lot of time at the hospital too and I'm sure I will see the differences in nursing care too.

    Is the water situation okay yet? Someone has way too much time on their hands. I hope they catch whoever contaminated the water supply. Scary.

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  3. This is so true. I remember when I was in the hospital that most of my nurses were really nice and seemed genuinely concerned. Then there were those few who were surly and resentful when I asked for help. I wish I had written a letter at the time. Hope your sister is doing well! I have a lot of reading to catch up on.

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