Virtue is its own reward....

[allnurses]

While being a decent human being doesn't cost anything monetarily, it does take more effort than some people are willing to exert as is evidenced by all the indecencies in the world today. But the payback of striving to be decent toward others pays off in lasting dividends in terms of quality and richness in life. Being a decent human being becomes easier with practice. Try it!

What do you think?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

I think that "decent" and "indecent" are going to mean something different to each person. People have different values, such as those related to sexuality, politics, and so many other things.

[middleagednurse]

By decency I think the OP is referring to basic principles such as honesty, kindness, compassion, etc. At least that is how I see it.

[Davey Do]

While being a decent human being doesn't cost anything monetarily...

What do you think?

Giving the gift of humor doesn't cost anything either. And they say that laughter is the best medicine.

Opinions, however, costs two cents:

[Roy Fokker, BSN, RN]

Many years ago, in school, we were taught that when patients are in pain; their perception on reality alters and therefore so does their behaviour.

Fast forward to today, many years and thousands of patients later I have come to the conclusion that that teaching is incorrect.

People are either angels or *******s. Illness has nothing to do with it.

Its one thing if people yell/scream/shout obscenities when they're in pain/during procedures.

It's another thing when you treat a fellow human being like a doormat and expect them to grin and bear it.

You can have 80 year old grandma suffering from bone cancer, ask in that soft voice even though she is in terrible pain "When you have a second dear, could you please bring me another blanket?" and in the room next door, have a 40 year old some such complain about the wait time and his chronic back pain.

If I treated my patients the way some of them treat me, I'd lose my job.

'Respect' goes both ways.

I'm all for compassion and treating everyone with the same level of kindness and professionalism.

But I refuse to be a doormat. Inspite of what certain 'customer satisfaction experts' at a recent conference recommended to us nurses.

Don't get me wrong - I will never violate my oath. I will never knowingly or willingly cause you harm. I will do the ethical thing.

But if you're an *******, I will not go 'above and beyond'.

Call me judgmental, but I believe ALL actions have consequences. Treat me like dirt, I won't treat you like family.

cheers,

[sadieanne33]

This has always been one of my favorites.