spaciegirl wrote:Omegawoman, thanks for the well wishes. That's very nice of you. Everything is fine, she's doing good. Trust me, we've had to raise hell many times in that, and other hospitals....but usually for more serious issues. If you get a little testy with them, they'll get their butts in the room faster. I just wish they'd come when first asked. It seems like you always have to pester them to stay on top of things. I mean, I feel kinda bad asking the same questions over and over again and having to call the nurse's station so much...but damn, if they'd just keep on track and do what they say they will, it wouldn't be an issue. I think they're understaffed...and god knows they're definately underpayed so we try to be as patient as possible. The hospital just sucks any way you slice it and it's hard to be in a situation where you have to put your trust in people you don't know. I could never be a nurse...many of them are saints, it's really amazing.
I worked under alot of amazing nurses, and because of them I considered finishing nursing school. I have to say though that after seeing the politics they have to deal with everyday I have decided to follow my first true love of psychology. I want to work in rehab with troubled teens.
Most good nurses do understand, but they are understaffed. More nurses are needed now more than ever. It has gotten to the point in my state to where some drug convictions are ignored and some nurses can possibly be addicts. (How would you like an addict caring for your loved one?) Scary, but true.
The thing I have noticed is that the nursing staff sees the patient every day (nurses and CNA's) so they tend to know the patient on a more personal level. They know best what the patient needs, they will tell the doctors, then the doctors shoot them down. I can be very frustrating at times, therefore the burnout. Watch the nurses and find the one who seems to care for your loved one the most, then pull her aside and talk to her about your concerns. It may help.
On another note, they tell you while you are training to be a nurse or an aide that you cannot become emotionally attached to your patients. I worked in long term care- I felt that if you do not become emotionally attachted to someone you are giving extreme intimint care to (tioleting, bathing, etc) how can you not be giving them the best care that they deserve? Alot of these people have no family that visit or care for them. I think at the very least, the staff should treat them like family. Sorry, you opened up alot of pet peeves for me, didn't mean to steal your thread.
I am glad your loved one is doing well. My prayers will be with you and her.