Just came back from a 7 day stay in two hospitals (2 days in one 5 in the other) for an attack of gall stones. First time and I do not care to have a second.
In both hospitals, the nursing staff and technicians were outstanding. The doctors at the second hospital, on the other hand, left much to be desired. Two on my case and they could not agree what to do - one said immediate removal of the bladder the other said no reason to remove it; one said no after care, the other said medicine and watch. Completely lost all faith in them and asked for my records and CD of MRCP, etc. when I left so I could change hospitals. One of the dcotor guys next door is going to introduce me to his hospital which is a private one.
Anyway the night nurse staff at the second hospital manged 70 patients, all of whom were older, many wheelchair who needed assistance to the restroom etc., a couple who were sent from other care facilities for an operation and had Alzeheimers. How many to take care of these? 2 Yep, 2. But I never saw a cross look, a snappy reply, anything but a smile and quick movement from here to there. In the daytime there were 7 but they may have had a worse time. Still just the most cheerful, helpful people you would ever want to meet. I did notice that there did not seem to be any nursers over 30 or so. I am guessing they burn out at that hospital. Not a private hospital, a city hospital and I suppose it would correspond to San Francisco General... Huge bays, no one turned away, etc. But I will never forget those nurses; they really made a difference in the day when they came into the room...
I know they will not see this, but thought this probably applies to the nurses we have on the board here and I am sure they are appreciated, too...
Karl, I am not a nurse. But as an occasional patient, your words are mine, The nursing staff makes the way we view the quality of a hospital or rehab. My hat is off to people such as SB.
__________________
Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
Over the years I've learned a good nurse is often times better than a doctor in most situations.
They've seen it all, basically an apprenticeship after years of working with doctors.
I have nothing but respect for nurses.
Except that one from way back who couldn't read an immunization chart and had the personality of a cactus.
__________________
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
I'm sorry your hospital experience sort of sucked, Karl, but perhaps sending a note to the hospital administration outlining what a great job the nurses did (mention them by name if possible) would be nice. Complaints are always heard, but not so much with the compliments. I'm sure it would be appreciated.
I love when I have a good nursing team when I'm in the hospital. The hospitals here tend to have 2-3 nurses assigned (for lack of a better word) to you for each shift. I know they have other patients so assigned isn't quite the right word.
I really love the humor of the OR nurses I've had. Most have had a sarcastic sense of humor and it makes for a fun time before the anesthesiologist knocks me out.
I discovered that the hospital DH was in for his pace-maker
removal had a "Daisy Program", where you could nominate
a nurse, assistant, etc. for reward. For those selected, the
hospital would send a HUGE tray of doughnuts and fancy
fruits to the nursing station, and all of the staff for that
shift would enjoy a bountiful breakfast. It didn't matter
whether they were the day or the evening shift - it was
Breakfast!
They are the ones who kept checking in on DH, because
he never pushed the call button. And they ALL had a smile
and a cheerful voice when they spoke to him.
