The care that I received at the ABRAZO West Campus was excellent, despite their STRESSED status. The ER was filled over capacity with people being treated in wheelchairs, beds in the hallways, and recliners (meant I am sure for visitors waiting to see their loved ones.) The floors were cleaned and trash emptied regularly, food delivered warm and plates removed when empty. Sergio, one of my nurses, was most professional. Even Darby, the transport to the CATscan / MRI department, waved and checked on me each time he went to retrieve or return someone. "Are you still here?" he would ask. Sarah G was another of the ER nurses who did not lose track of me at the end of the ward and always wore a smile. One of the hospitalists, a Doctor from India, gave me clear reasons for anything unfamiliar that was to take place. She seemed to understand my hesitancy about the MRI better than her supervisor. "It is just part of the procedures," she had said.
All of this caused me to think about CAREGIVERS - whether child care, care of the aged, or care of the hungry as in the Restaurant - one of my vocations when I was younger. In fact, I remembered one of my summertime waitresses coming back to tell me that she had mentioned her stint at The INN on her application to Med School, as sick people and hungry people have a lot in common and need the same caring attitude in order to smile at their situation. True!!
Most of my hospital time has been what I call "drive through" surgeries - gall bladder, meniscus repair of my knees, child birth even!! So the 36 hours in the ER and the 36 hours in the lovely room on the 5th floor with a view of the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix gave me time to ponder the care giving traits. I have spent time in hospitals as an observer when Tom has had his multiple back surgeries, but hadn't realized how anxious one would be to GET OUT of their care!
Caregivers must be good listeners, unlike the customer service reps who interrupt to insist that you listen to THEM. Children, old folks, and sick people all NEED a listener, someone who will take the time to learn of their concerns and THEN see if they can provide a solution. Of course, on the night shift especially, the staff needs a listening ear as well. Theresa, my nurse upstairs at 10 PM was stressed by the fact that she had SEVEN patients who needed escort to the restroom and only a couple of CNAs to assist in that task, so if she disappeared in the midst of my WELCOME routine, not to panic, she would return. I assured her that at this point I was thrilled to have a restroom closer that half a mile away!! AT LEAST I had a workout just making the inevitable trip from my #12 position surrounded by pulled curtains, to the restrooms on a regular basis, thanks to the hydration provided by the BAG of whatever it was. On "the Doctor/Hospital Shows" it was called Ringers Lactate, but that was fiction; this was reality!
Caregivers in an emergency situation show their concern by staying with your husband at the helicopter pad and giving precise instructions regarding the route to the hospital. Our son provided his dad with an app that showed exactly when the helicopter arrived at the hospital, and husband did not hit the road until he was sure that I had made it and was getting the care I needed. The EMT from the helicopter came back to make sure that I was OK after he had completed the paperwork. Probably wondering why they were not rushing me to surgery, but this was not a bypass situation as his EKG clearly indicated. Although, I do think that the cardio-cathaterization is considered surgery. I was impressed by that helicopter EMTs concern; he already had my signature on his ipad indicating that I had used his skills and SOMEONE would pay for the service. HOPEFULLY, the insurances we carry. I am the healthy one, but still pay the insurance premiums and any money due for services rendered!!
I was fascinated by the procedures in the Cath Lab - so much technology, but also the people skills demonstrated by the staff. Dr. Agaarwal, also Indian and known in the hospital as DR A, came to my room twice - before and after the procedure - as well as HIS PA Dr Nikki, the Indian lady who understood my hesitancy about the MRI. Because it was Friday Dr A insisted that the procedure be done whether the MRI had been or NOT. Otherwise, it would be Monday, and he did NOT want to have me wait. A GOOD CALL! A wise call I am convinced.
At almost 80 years young, I do have a DNR order and had the bracelet saying that. I know of too many folks who had the second or third heart surgery only to die with dementia in a nursing home. So the first order of business was signing a form at the Cath Lab lifting the DNR for 24 hours in order to do the procedure. Not a problem since I "heard" the word - "RELAX, I have this!" three days ago already!! I guess I am NOT your typical patient; and I did not tell anyone that I had been a medical transcriber once upon a time!!
CAREGIVERS do the best they can with the circumstances that they find themselves in, with a smile, and pray that tomorrow is a better day for you and for them.
