Thursday, August 04, 2005

OH, YOU WILL LOVE OUR NEW JOINT REPLACEMENT WING!

Indeed. First of all beware of any or all claims from medical professionals who lavish praise on medical bricks and mortar. I would rather the praise be directed at the actual human beings who work in that shiny new facility. Oh yes, they have instituted state-of-the art pre and post-op care systems. Note the word systems. My anxiety ridden brain did not hear this PR BS for what it was. After all, I was going to be in a private room with its own bathroom, receive physical therapy in an area only a few feet from my room, be completely pain free due to a comprehensive pain management system. There's that word system again.
Does a system run itself? Who makes sure that the system is functioning as it was intended? Here are some quotes from the actual humans entrusted with ensuring that these systems work:

Head Nurse: "Sorry I'm late with your pain meds, but I got stuck chatting at the nurses' station. You know how that is?"

Patient Care Aide: "Why is your butt so white and wrinkly? Oh, I guess no one changed the pad on your bed."

Patient Care Aide: "Here's your toothbrush. I'll be right back with water and your toothpaste". (I brushed without water or paste)

Patient Care Aide: "Here's your toothpaste. I'll be right back with water and your toothbrush". (I gave up and used a washcloth)

Head Nurse:"I don't know who told you that you could leave after the doctor discharged you, but I have all kinds of forms to fill out and the social worker has to set up your home therapy. It will take at least 4 hours." (To which my attorney husband replied: "I'm afraid that won't work") HN:What do you mean?" AH:"We are ready to leave now". My discharge had been confirmed the night before and this was 11:00 am the following morning after am therapy.
Social Worker appeared in 5 minutes, HN filled out her paper work in 10 minutes. We were then told that we had to wait for a hospital volunteer to walk us out. A group of PCA's walked past us and remarked to each other that "that's the volunteer's job".
We left on our own power and due to the kindness of a housekeeping employee, were able to use an employee elevator.
NEXT INSTALLMENT: pain, pain, and pain

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hope the recovery is a speedy system. :-) Sorry to hear you didn't have a good hospital experience. Just found your blog from Clapotis KAL. Your work is gorgeous and fast! Happy knitting!

Anonymous said...

As a nurse for the past 26 years, mind you only in the ED, I am APPALLED at this treatment and lack of care and compassion. Sure, we are ALL busy, but the patient comes first and the charting systems and management or whatever systems are left behind.
Patti