On a typical day in the hospital, our patients think about how good it would be to be in their own home and look forward to getting back there. When the holiday season comes around, many times patients not only think about home, but also the family and special events that they’re missing. They think about times of decorating, shopping, baking, special meals and maybe even a loved one who is no longer present in their lives. This added grief does not go unnoticed in the Cardiac Step-Down Unit (CSU) at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital HEB.
Beth Rotert, BSN, and all her colleagues in the CSU, strive even harder to be available for patients to talk if they need to or to brighten their day however they can during the holidays. Beth says it is not unusual to find small Christmas trees in a patient room or other decorations during the holidays. “When we sense that someone is having an especially difficult day, staff knows they can make a difference not only in healing their body, but also their mind and spirit by listening and being sensitive to their patient’s struggle .”
One common experience between patient and caregiver is the experience of human struggle. Although staff members may have never been in the hospital themselves, every person knows what it feels like to feel a little out of control and wishing their situation was better. Beth says “No matter what we’ve been through, everyone on staff can identify with the grief of their patients in needing to know they are not alone.” Sharing patients’ pain is part of our job in healing the body, mind and spirit. Sometimes talking about our sadness or unrest helps to identify where the hurt is coming from and can actually open a door toward feeling some relief. Our vulnerability is also our strength. Acknowledging human struggle touches and brings healing to our hearts. Our CSU is doing just that during this holiday season.
Linda White
Chaplain
Texas Health HEB
No comments:
Post a Comment