An Open Letter to Healthcare Professionals

[millercashley]

My father-in-law had a massive heart attack last week and was seen by you in the Intensive Care Unit. His family was at the hospital from the time he was admitted until he passed away.

As a Registered Nurse I know what it is like to get caught up in the routine of seeing patients. I go into every shift with the same plan. Get my assignment, get report, meet and assess my patients, pass meds, chart…you know the drill. What I am not sure you know is how impolite and inconsiderate you were to my family.

Doctors should be honest with their patients and their families. They should not create false hope in any way. I have been present when a Doctor tells a patient they have less than 3 months to live and it is heartbreaking. I know the look of a spouse that hears their companion is not going to pull through. They do not need false hope, but they do need compassion, consideration, and empathy.

You were very honest with them and I greatly appreciate that; however, I do not appreciate the way you spoke to them. You were asked how serious the heart attack was and your response was a short, Well, he died.” It was very insensitive and disrespectful. I can think of several responses that get the same point across, but do not sound near as harsh. I would never speak to a patient or their family in that manner because I would not want my family spoken to that way. My family was aware of my father-in-law's wishes; they just needed guidance and reassurance that they were making the best decision. Sometimes the best decision is the most difficult to make. I am not asking you to sit down and grieve with everyone, but I am asking you to put yourself in their shoes and understand that you are telling them to say their goodbyes to their beloved family member.

As you know massive heart attacks are not something people plan for. Even if they have other medical issues that increase their risk, it is always a shock. Understand that this is not just another patient to them it is their husband, father, grandfather, etc.

Every now and then we need reminders to ground us and take us out of the routine” of healthcare. I want this to be a reminder for you and anyone else in the healthcare industry that finds him or herself in the burnout phase.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to read this. I appreciate it!

Please help me share this to serve as a reminder to all healthcare professionals. Thank you!