I am going into 4th year nursing, and this was in one of our labs in first year. I love this thing, it really makes you think about how you are caring for your patients. In the rush of everything, would one minute really kill us?
Listen, Nurse
I was hungry and could not feed myself. You left my food tray out of reach on my bedside table, then you discussed my nutritional needs in a nursing conference.
I was thirsty and helpless, but you forgot to ask the attendant to refill my water pitcher. You later charted that I refused liquids.
I was in financial difficulties and in your mind I became an object of annoyance.
I was a nursing problem and you discussed the theoretical basis of my illness. And you did not even see me.
I was thought to be dying and, thinking I could not hear, you said you hoped I would not die before it was time to finish for your day because you had an appointment at the beauty parlor before your evening date.
You seem so well educated, well spoken, and so very neat in your spotless unwrinkled uniform. But when I speak, you seem to listen but do not hear me.
Help me, care about what happens to me, I am so tired, so lonely, and so very afraid. Talk to me - reach out to me - take my hand. Let what happens to me matter to you.
