One of the most difficult things to contend
with in a hospital is the assumption on the part of the staff that because you
have lost your appendix, you have lost your shame. As for the patients, they think that their
illness should be the prime concern of every doctor or nurse and the visitors
to the hospital think that it is a picnic spot.
Doctors:
To you, a patient may be just another case
to be studied. But remember he has faith
in you. So switch on your bedside
manners. Keep your frown for inefficient
nurses! A smile, a word of encouragement
and sign of involvement- you’ll have cured the patient 50 per cent. When you take your students to explain a
case, don’t make the patient feel like part of the furniture whose salient
features you are describing. Exchange
some pleasantries, introduce the students and with a polite “may I?” proceed
with your business. While speaking to nurses,
be polite. After all, the real work is
done by them. Acknowledge with an
appreciative nod or smile. The nurse
will feel more motivated to care for the patient.
Nurses:
You have entered a profession, which is
tough, of your own free will. Whatever your
grouses, don’t take them out on the patient.
Soften your tone and keep a pleasant countenance. Don’t be harsh with a patient who constantly
demands attention. Befriend other
patients and request them to divert the attention of the disgruntled ones. When you have to bathe or change the
patient’s clothes, don’t be indifferent to his sense of modesty. Close the door or get a screen around the bed. When relatives and friends of the patient
make a nuisance of themselves, be polite and firm but not rude. No doubt you are rushed for time, but spare a
few moments to enquire about the patient’s family, interest or anything other
than if he had his dose of medicine!
Relatives/Visitors:
To
begin with, please remember that visiting hours are meant for you. Except during the time allotted, don’t try to
barge or sneak into the hospital. When
you go visiting, don’t take the entire family along. Leave small children at home. Speak softly and don’t get into heated
arguments or agitate the patient by discussing controversial matters. Don’t carry eats for the patient, as you may
not be aware of the diet prescribed. If
you genuinely want to get some, find out from the staff or duty Sister, what
the patient is allowed to eat and bring only that: It’s better to make sure
that the patient is allowed to read, before carrying books, or magazines. If you want to take flowers, avoid those with
a heavy fragrance and don’t carry huge baskets.
Patient:
- As your name suggests, be patient.
- Don’t keep ringing the bell or shouting for the nurse, for trivial reasons. She has other patients too.
- Do your bit towards getting better by obeying the doctor’s or nurse’s instructions and don’t take the attention you get, for granted!
A
“thank you” and grateful smile work wonders!
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