[Nurse Ratched]

Inspired by J'nette's story.

Worked one of my rare hospital days today. As usual, there was one "combative" elderly man - the face changes but the story is always the same - who needed bathrooming. Staff is convinced we need to go in there with enough folks to each take a limb while one more takes care of the business end.

Not so fast - let's try this with two - one to hold him standing up and one to take care of the backside concerns. Walked up on "Jack" and gave him my biggest smile and welcoming "How have you been?" Big smile back from the artist formerly known as Mr. Cranky Pants who stood up with one request, held around my waist in a hug, and even laid his head on my shoulder.

Doncha just love the elderly? Treat 'em nice and they'll do anything you ask - imagine that! - They're just like "regular people" .

[shel_wny]

Good for you! *astral highfive*
I experience this all the time at work.
At bedtime if you take off their clothes gently, make small talk and genuinely care about how their day went, make sure they get to sit on the toilet, and let them brush their teeth...my goodness they don't get up during the night setting off their bed alarm with fists full of feces. Ain't that rocket science.

Shel