It's story time again

[docorion]

I worked a 12 hour shift yesterday. I hate them, but had a couple of patient encounters which were really pleasant or interesting, and reminded me why I went in to this business in the first place.

Comments

[zzbottom]

having your judgment questioned for revenue reasons is frustrating

This reminds me of a particular hotel I worked at. I had a supervisor there who was frustrated, frequently, with my telephone style. She felt I was too chatty with people who called and wanted me to end my calls faster. Personally, I would rather the guest feel like a "guest" not a "customer". They're not calling to order something out of a catalog, they're planning a fun vacation. They would like some personality in their service, was my opinion. To each their own. Uptight people get under my skin.

[docorion]

Oh, I get that too. I get a lot of people who wonder why I'm so chatty, and particularly why I crack wise with most people.

It's already an unpleasant experience, being in the ED. The more fun you can have while you're there, the less suck will obtain for the patient (and for me, which is also important). One of the reasons, IMO, I haven't been sued (yet), is that I try to develop a relationship with the patient. Humor is a tool for that, and I use it a lot (because it works for me).

The guest model works for me, both in your field and mine. I think of this as the difference between "patients" and "clients". There was a fashion, some years back, to change what we called people looking for care-they ought to be "clients", according to this model. Oh, no, sez me; clients are people whose money you're trying to get, while providing some service. Patients are people to whom I owe a duty to care for them. There's a difference.

[missdimple]

Hear, hear! I would much rather be helped by people using both of your criteria for services. I NEVER EVER want to be a number.

[curly_chick]

42, that is your number.

[veek]

If I end up in an ED someday, I hope you (or someone like you) are my doctor.

[beowabbit]

Me too! (And it actually happened once, although basically the answer was "You know that eating and drinking thing you used to do before you got sick a few days ago? Do some.")

[veek]

Wise words, those!

[docorion]

Well, I did have some drugs handy to make that whole eating and drinking thing possible. You did seem out of practice.

[zarilina]

met a very nice doc at my local prompt care that reminded me VERY strongly of you. he had on the GREATEST tie-dye socks under his slacks. he showed me after he commented about my tie-dyed skirt "earning me bonus points" LoL.

Thank you for sharing this

[sweetmmeblue]

I keep wondering how to do this in my field but the stories have many more chances of potential disclosure.

I love the feisty old ones. I had one that was also 99. Came in with drainage from lung cancer and really needed 24/7 care. When we told him about just keeping him he said, "Just give me a bottle of champagne and a lovely lady and send me home. I'll be fine." And he wasn't crass about it. Just sweet and charming. He flirted with all the lady staff and had a way of complimenting you that was charming from a man his age.

[anaisdjuna]

Such grounding things to hear. Thanks for sharing with us. God medical shit can suck. I really don't want an IO!!!!!

Good for you for sticking by what's right rather than what's revenue! I hear that you'd rather go into policy, but I think it's such a shame as you sound like such a vitally needed entity on the frontline of the ED.

Client? Yuck!