Since when were patients referred to a GUESTS??

Nurses Relations

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In my online search for a new homehealth field nurse position I discovered a hospital website that used the term 'guest' in lieu of 'patient" Is this political correctness? Is a healthcare now a tourism/hospitality career? When did this happen?

Since a "guest" is by invitation.. may I suggest the pain in the backside knee replacement patient, who is refusing to do PT, wants pain meds every 4 hrs..not a second later, and weights 300+ lbs and expects the nurses to lift him up in bed just as often that he is no longer welcome?

This is so not my mother's nursing career.

I don't see what's wrong with trying to make the patients' otherwise miserable experience with healthcare facilities a little better by infusing it with some of the customer care approaches utilized in the service industry. As you know, we are 10 people vying for 9 dollars and the nature of the game is that the best man wins. Don't fool yourselves into thinking that a good clinical outcome is the only way to measure what's "best".

This kind of capitalism is what makes me happy to be in America. I want to come to a hospital where its clean floors, certified RNs, quiet nights, and communicative MDs are a direct result of its competition for my dollar. Your alternative is something akin to Polish state hospitals where hygiene is an option as are nutrition, attention, and materials.

**stirring the pot**

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Medicare reimbursement is becoming largely based on "client-satisfaction". A hospital will endear itself to its "guests" to get great reviews and in turn, a higher reimbursement rate.

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Specializes in ICU.

Oh, yes. I remember when "client" was all the rage. Paper charting and we had to write the word "client" instead of patient.

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I feel your pain. A few years ago, our hospital opened a new wing (which I work on), and it initially was 'the 24 hoir visitation, all your family is welcome' ICU. I don't have to tell you what a mess that was! I don't know if it's fan attempt to attract business or what, but your're right, it sends the wrong message. We're here to heal, not heel!
Yeah..i work in a hospital where patient's get to choose their room,the furnitures,take all the visitors they can have 24/7.press d call bell if d garbage can is full,remote c0ntrol nt working,visitor needs panadol,fix their bed with their own heavy beddings..whew..sometimes i'm wondring if im stil in a hosptal or in a luxury hotel..
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Specializes in ICU.
In my online search for a new homehealth field nurse position I discovered a hospital website that used the term 'guest' in lieu of 'patient" Is this political correctness? Is a healthcare now a tourism/hospitality career? When did this happen?

Since a "guest" is by invitation.. may I suggest the pain in the backside knee replacement patient, who is refusing to do PT, wants pain meds every 4 hrs..not a second later, and weights 300+ lbs and expects the nurses to lift him up in bed just as often that he is no longer welcome?

This is so not my mother's nursing career.

yup, I completely agree. I want out of this profession at some point. I can't see my self catering to this BS all my life. Unfortunately it's a symptom of this entire society. Its never going to end until they realize they are accountable for their actions.

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Specializes in ICU.
*** If we all refuse to participate in the silly it will go away.

like like like like like!!!!!!!

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.

"C;ient" and "guest" cheapens the nurse-patient bond, which to this Old Timer, which implies that we act in the "patient's" best interest as described in our code of ethics. The patient always takes first place, not the requirements of the corporation who may sign out paychecks. Hookers have clients.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
Medicare reimbursement is becoming largely based on "client-satisfaction". A hospital will endear itself to its "guests" to get great reviews and in turn, a higher reimbursement rate.

*** Yes that's true. However that doesn't make it right and I refuse to play their game. It's just a fad anyway. Eventualy it will come around, it usually does.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
Oh, yes. I remember when "client" was all the rage. Paper charting and we had to write the word "client" instead of patient.

*** Ya, I managed to "forget" each time. This resulted in several discussion with my nurse manager. Lucky for me this was back in the day when competent & experienced nurses were hard to come by so she couldn't really do anything to me. Nowdays with jobless RNs under every bush it might be different.

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I have no problem calling the guest a guest they do have a choice to be in the hospital I work at or the one 5 minutes down the road. I have to work somewhere and if I can fluff my patient make them more comfortable it makes my day a little easier and them feel a little better. If people are so fed up with healthcare may I suggest going into another field. When I decided to enter nursing it was about the patient and it still is today. When they are under my care their needs come first and if that includes empting a garbage can so be it, however I always checked the can while I am in the room to begin with. I am thankful my patients choose to be guests at my hospital which in turn pays my house payment and other bills. And when I discharge them I thank them for allowing me to help take care of them and encourage them to return for any other medical needs.

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The home care company that I am employed by places a lot of emphasis on customer service, but, thankfully, this is not secondary to medical care. I once worked for a company where I was severely chastised for not interrupting the lab draws for coumadin to discuss a pt's medication with her for the umpteenth time, but telling her I would be happy to talk to her in an hour. (20+ ppl waiting for INR's, all very irritated with the woman, so I guess I could have had 20+ complaints instead of 1 & that would've been better?)

Most people seem to be very pleased when we take a few extra minutes with them for whatever is concerning them, but there will always be that one person who you can't please no matter what.

I keep thanking God that I finally work for a reasonable co that doesn't nit pick..Pt, Client, Customer..how ridiculous.

(I just love this site!)

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

If you thicnk that patients dont "choose" your healthcare factility, you are sadly mistaken and might find a few empty beds or closed unit in your future. There are 5 hospitals in my county plus 15 more in Philadelphia. I live in middle so can get to any of them within 15-20 min. Been in every one over the years with family or as patient. We now limit ourselves to 1 facility due to average ER wait time and caring attitude of hospital staff with better than average quality outcomes.

While on vacation in New Orleans area last month, got multiple mosquito bites despite OFF bug repellant resulting in cellulitis of arm that was spreading despite neosporin. Knew of various hospitals due to interacting with their staff at nursing conventions. One facility had wait times on local billboard; checked the internet and found hospital with 18 minute wait time, 37 miles from our campsite compared to hospital 25 miles away with 210 min wait. Drove the 37miles in and out of ER in 1 hour.

Patients today need to be considered as both clients and guests or you will find your facility without patients. The "crown jewel" of one healthcare systems in my area is now limping along with 90% patients admitted via ER, high Medicare/Mediciad, patients, no OB, GYN, Oncology or Ortho unit as physicians and staff resistent to change.

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