Published Dec 14, 2012
AngelfireRN, MSN, RN, APRN
2 Articles; 1,291 Posts
Dear Patient,
I felt so bad about that phone call from your Mama. I really wish I had not used the tone I did with her. I know she was worried about you. I know she had no medical knowledge.
I should never have fussed at her that you knew better than to take an old antibiotic. I should not have cut her off midsentence when she told me that you were turning red and couldn't breathe. I really should not have snapped at her when she asked if I couldn't just 'call you in some more antibiotics' instead of taking you to the hospital like I had told her to.
And I REALLY should not have yelled at her to get you there lickety-split when she said she thought she'd 'wait and see if your face didn't go back down'.
I was ashamed of myself...
Until I got the ER report and found out I was right to do so.
And then you came in the next week and said four words that made my career...
"You saved my life."
NutmeggeRN, BSN
2 Articles; 4,678 Posts
We do what we do, and yes sometimes we make a critical decision that does save a life. I agree, it is a pretty nice feeling when you hear those words.....
yoganurs
61 Posts
Nice to hear those words indeed. Either way, I don't ever think it's appropriate to say "you should have known better" to a patient...or anyone for that matter.
You obviously don't work with the population I do. Not only is it appropriate, in some cases it's warranted. But, your opinion and mine don't have to gel, so Merry Christmas and thanks for reading my little blurb!
Erisereth
1 Post
Lol sounds like something I would say! Merry Xmas