perceptions

I have often heard that nurses should experience life from the other side of the bed. This theory has really hit home recently since my Grandpa is so sick and in the hospital.

I always "think" that I see things from the patients point of view but in reality it is so very different. I have access to their medical records when ever I want. I can get up and leave the room when ever I want, etc.

Grandpa's illness is especially difficult because he is very confused so the family has had to take a very active role in his care and treatment plan. I am sure that the ICU staff is frustrated at times with our many calls and questions!

Many times it seems that my family members are getting different stories, I am sure that is not the case but the case of who is talking to a doctor, a nurse, a therapist...

As I have watched this hospitalization I have become more aware of what it must be like for MY patients:

• Often they lay in their hospital bed for days upon days.
• They get food trays that may be delivered when they want them but their diet is often restricted.
• Tests are performed at all hours of the day and night.
• They only know what we tell them.

I remember one time that I visited a friend of mine who had surgery. Clinically he looked good and I responded so and then bit my tongue, he looked HORRIBLE from a friend point of view. I thought to myself that we in the medical community must look like liars when we say how good someone is doing.

I will strive to use use this unfortunate hospitalization to rethink my responses to my patients in the future.