It is absolutely amazing the things you see, hear and experience at the hospital. It varies from the Emergency Room to being admitted to the hospital. I have been to more ER's than I can count, and I have been admitted to quite a few hospitals as well.
I am blown away by the different types of doctors, nurses, and facilities that I have come across. I understand that both doctors and nurses have multiple patients with all different needs. Each institution, and staff run their programs in more ways than I can count. There are some hospitals that are run like a well-oiled machine. Every patient is treated in the same manner. At these facilities I tend to feel like just a number. The doctors and nurses get only the immediate information, and provide care in a timely manner. They don't want to know anything more than they feel is pertainante to the matter at hand. Time is of the essence in these types of hospitals. Needless to say, the bed-side manner at these hospitals is less than welcoming.
Then there is the complete opposite. There are hospitals where the doctors and nurses want to know every detail of the current situation, and any prior illnesses, or hospitalizations. This type of facility can be as equally stressful because you are constantly being questioned, and asked to remember all of your medical history on the spot. When you're in pain, or in any type of discomfort, it's difficult to remember dates of every illness you've ever had! Considering my medical history, it's close to impossible to remember all of my medical situations. On a lighter note, in general, the bed-side manner is much more pleasant.
I am being pretty general in theses situations, but from what I have gone through, these are the typical experiences that will be had from hospital-to-hospital.
The patients are a completely different story! There are so many different types of personalities that come through the hospital system. I have encountered elderly men yelling down the halls saying no one will let them go to the bathroom. I have seen a team of heavy-set, and very intimadating lesbians threatening to beat up everyone in the waiting room if they aren't the next patients called back. There have been patients sitting next to me in the waiting room chairs asking me to put their head on my shoulder because they are so tired. I have had patients yell at nurses because they were mad that I was going back before them. They said I didn't look as sick as they were. I have also had the completely opposite, where a complete stranger has scolded a nurse for not getting me back fast enough!
Once you make it past the initial triage area it's a "crap shoot" what is waiting behind those hospital doors. I have had nurses who were nothing but rude to me the entire time I was in their care. I have also had nurses that are so caring and check on you every free second they get. The thing that amazes me the most is the education level of nurses. Some nurses you can ask any question, whether it be medical related or not,and they can answer without any hesitation. Then there are the nurses that are dumber than a box of rocks. I feel like I know more than they know about healthcare, and I could take better care of myself. These types of nurses usually end up hurting me more than helping me, and I have the bruises and scars to prove it!
Since I have a been around so many nurses and doctors, I have learned when to take control of my healthcare, and speak up when I feel something is wrong. I also have learned when to trust my gut and completely rely on trusted doctors and nurses.
My current health situation doesn't allow Jeff and I to get out-and-about much, but it has not limited us to the amount of crazy things we see and experience! We have many laughs, and many tears each time we are at the hospital, or any other facilities where I have treatment.
Jeff and I have the most abnormal lifestyle, but these are the cards when have been dealt right now. We choose not to be bitter, and just enjoy the time we have together, even if it's sitting in a hospital room! I have learned that no matter where you are, if you are with the ones you love, there is no better place to be! Oh, I have also learned to never piss off the nurses...they are the ones with the drugs! Haha!
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