compassion

1 Hey all, I'm a new member. I'm starting my ADN program shortly, and have been reading a great deal of the posts here. It has been a great view into what I'll be doing and what to expect from working as a nurse.
I've worked as a CNA and a Navy Field medic and have observed something from my experiences. The people interested in learning, or who are curious do a better job and in general have less stress.
Information is a great stress relief. While I worked as a CNA my co-workers were constantly complaining about a resident - she was a fall risk - that wouldn't call for help to get up and do things (ADLs). I would talk to this resident when I had spare time or before I left for the day. I found out her husband left her with 3 kids, and she raised them all on her own strength - and that was 1950s. This woman had lived a life where she depended on no one. A nursing home was no small adjustment for her. I held this womans hand as she cried about her situation... How can you complain about a woman like that. A powerful creature that one.
I guess what I'm saying is that if you lose track of the people who are your pts you stand to miss important moments. The kind that remind you of your capacity for real compassion. Not just the customer service attitude.
I don't know if any of you would be willing to share a similar moment you had. It may be a little cheesy, but hey why not?
I can complain about anything. I try not to, at work, at least. But I can still manage to do it. I understand why the patient might want to preserve "independence" but that doesn't mean I wont formulate complaints in my head or still be annoyed .

haha. yeah, There were still times that I felt, let's say, inconvenienced, by the pt. I think though, that it became more endearing. Likened to a friend who does something annoying, but what the hell it's okay.

Quote from Cro-MagnonI've worked as a CNA and a Navy Field medic and have observed something from my experiences. The people interested in learning, or who are curious do a better job and in general have less stress. Information is a great stress relief.