Put down the phone~ respect the best

 

 

I am astonished by the number of patients that I have come across in the last few weeks that simply refuse to put down their precious cell phones when a medical professional enters a room to talk to them or provide care to them.

Case in point, one of my colleagues a few weeks ago enters a ED room to medicate one of my patients prior to her discharge. This particular patient was on her cell phone checking her bank account which seemed much more important to her than care. My coworker asked her to put down her phone so he could give her medications and discharge instructions, she looked at him like he was an alien with 3 heads and proceeded to continue to talk. Now what part of that makes any sense?

If you present to any ER, doctors office or medical establishment you are expecting to be taken care of by professionals. The healthcare field is a community of people who dedicate their lives (well most of us) to making sure you live long and well lives. Doctors and nurses spend countless hours in school, training and then continue to learn as an ongoing process.

Your personal life can wait a few minutes while you are in the Emergency Department so you can give your caregiver the respect and time that they are taking with you. Put your darn phone away! We understand that life is fast, we all have kids and families too! How would you feel if I as your Er nurse entered your room chatting to my spouse via my cell phone and you were having a heart attack or other life threatening event. What if I felt like my phone call was more important than you? Not cool!

So next time take a minute to remember that your healthcare professional is taking time to devote their attention to you, give them the respect they deserve and get off your phone, texting included.

 



That's my soapbox for today ;) ~~~Leslie