Being on the receiving end of health services, delivered by a long succession of health professionals, parahealth professionals and other unregulated staff, reinforces my belief that, among the many attributes of a nurse, caring is most important. Of course, knowledge, skills and techniques are important, but caring comes first. If we care enough, we will find the right thing to do. For example, Ben did all the searches for me, saving me tremendous time worrying about whether I had searched enough. Screening out all the useless information and pointing out the relevant to me was an enormous help. Thanks ever so much, Ben.
Coming back to compassion. If we care enough, we will be more thoughtful, will adopt the sick person’s perspective and relieve the burden on both the patient and his/her family. I travelled back and forth between the HK SH (another hospital) and my doctor’s offices just because the staff didn’t think of mentioning something to me. So I had to make that extra trip. As time-conscious as I am, I am surprised that I didn’t throw any temper tantrums at having my time wasted on avoidable activities. I think of caregivers who may be old and patients who may be too sick to travel back and forth. I also think of people who are not as mentally stable as I am. Imagine the pain and frustration they have to go through.
I used to think I was a very good nurse. Now I know I can be a better one. Adversities in life can be blessings in disguise. They make me more humane and accepting of other people’s weaknesses. I can now boldly state that “life is precious” and mean it.
Good health to all.
For Reflections on Nursing Leadership (RNL), published by the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International.
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