happy easter

I was really glad to know that I wasn't going to have to work today, Jonah's first Easter, although it is my weekend to work. What a gift from God. I know that he won't remember if I was there or not, but as his mommy, it was important to me! :)

It has been a "stretching" experience to be back at work. I am feeling like my work is more a means to an end. However...our experiences have given me a different perspective about patient care.

I have realized just how important it is to be validated in your feelings especially by the people that are taking care of you (or your loved one). As the family or patient, you may not know all the "medical facts" but you know how you or your loved one feels. And I know that in the past, I have assumed because I know the science behind what is going on, that often times the patient/family were wrong, and I had to educate them on how they should feel. But now, after being in their shoes...I know that, although I may have been right about the medical facts that might not always be the most important piece of the puzzle. Perhaps what is more important is that they feel heard. For example, when we were in the worst of Jonah's reflux I didn't feel like the physician was listening to us at first, I knew how our life was during the 23 hours and 55 minutes that we were not face to face with the doctor. And just because they don't see it in the 5 minutes of contact, does not mean that it isn't true.

Now based on our experiences, I so appreciate hearing how the patient feels about the care that they are recieving. And how I can help them to feel like they are getting the best care that is possible.