When we become the patient

[Emergent, RN]

I am currently a patient, recovering from a serious accident that required emergency surgery at our regional trauma center. I'm on leave, recovering at home now. This has been a life changing experience.

I have a new perspective on pain, and a new insight into how vulnerable our patients feel. I want to say, the nurses, techs, surgeons, paramedics were all so kind to me, I'm so grateful. I was treated with such tenderness, I'll never forget it.

Don't forget, keep instructions simple for patients on narcotics, and never assume that if your patient is a nurse that they know anything. And don't forget that catheter holder thing for foleys, without it that balloon is really irritating. Fortunately they got that dc'd quickly.

When I return to work I will be a better, more humble and compassionate nurse, for sure.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I am currently a patient, recovering from a serious accident that required emergency surgery at our regional trauma center. I'm on leave, recovering at home now. This has been a life changing experience.

I hope you recuperate soon! Also, thank you for the reminder to place ourselves in the shoes of our patients.

[Libby1987]

I'm sorry for your accident.

All of my personal experiences as a patient, some good some not so good, has contributed greatly to my growth as a nurse, they've been the silver lining.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Great post! I remember when my first child was born- my breastfeeding instructions were "Oh, you're a nurse? Five minutes on each side and you're good." I was a psych nurse, very young and mortified to think I SHOULD have known this. Needless to say - I failed, miserably.

I hope you are soon back in the saddle!

[Emergent, RN]

One thing about being a patient is that it's scary. I'm just getting back some of my psychological strength back a little, as long as I get a good nap. I'm a brave person, but this has reduced me to feeling like a helpless baby, easily upset. But I need my naps.

[Libby1987]

One thing about being a patient is that it's scary. I'm just getting back some of my psychological strength back a little, as long as I get a good nap. I'm a brave person, but this has reduced me to feeling like a helpless baby, easily upset. But I need my naps.

I know what you mean, I bet a lot of us do. I had an accident once, horse related that laid me up, I hated that loss of control, caused all sorts of anxiety.

[AJJKRN]

Sending you good vibes for a full recovery!!!

[Gooselady, BSN, RN]

Holy crap! Get well soon :)

Nothing like this to remind us of what's important . . . and put perspective on all the rest of it. Sending healing vibes your way :)

[Williss2]

Oh yes. Becoming the patient can be an eye opening experience. When I had my last son I quickly became, "that patient." I would have never thought that it would be me. There was a lot of anxiety about the unknown. When you work in L&D and no one can explain to you, or provide written material on Pitocin, then that is a problem. That is why I try to explain everything to my patients when I encounter them. I saw things that reinforced to me that I was the type of nurse that I wanted to be. I wish you the best in your recuperation.

[klone, MSN, RN]

OMGosh, I'm so sorry, Emergent! I hope you fully recover soon!

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

Hope you recover soon!

I, too, was a pt recently. It is interesting and it is humbling. I always tell my pts (I am an ortho nurse) that I understand pain, having 6 orthopedic surgeries. It helps when you know what they have been through.

[sistrmoon, BSN, RN]

I was a post- op patient recently. So different on the other side of the bed. Good thoughts for a speedy recovery for you!