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 Provided by: Clinician1.com
I have had two opportunities to be on the patient-end of the spectrum this week. Both of these experiences reminded me that patients look at things differently through their eyes...compared to those of a provider.
To further understand my opinion about this, you need to understand that I LOATHE being the patient myself. I will do EVERYTHING in my power to treat myself (without medications) and figure out anything that may “afflict” me. It is just who I am. So, please understand, when I finally broke down and admitted that my methods were not working, it was a major admission of “defeat” for me. “Rational” or not…
In the first case, I was the patient. After treating myself for a problem (bad idea, I know, but I did not prescribe for myself), I finally saw my PCP for an issue. He ordered some lab work to further define any problems, but ultimately, referred me to a specialist for more evaluation. I saw a wonderful Physician Assistant, A.J., who listened to my symptoms, did a thorough exam, and recommended a test for completeness. Unfortunately, I was less-than-impressed by the person (MA, LPN, who knows...she did not identify herself) who “roomed me,” and took my vitals when I first went into the office. Her dour demeanor was not comforting, although she was more friendly when she realized at the end of the visit that I was an NP. A.J. made a follow-up call to me, after consulting with the physician who will do the procedure, and I was comfortable with her plan-of-care. The CNA who scheduled my procedure was wonderful in explaining all the nuances of the test, side effects, etc. I felt comfortable asking questions, even though I knew the procedure protocol inside-and-out.
In the second case, I was the mother of the patient. Today, my eldest son was hit in the head by a ball at recess, lurched back, and hit his head on a brick wall at school. My husband was notified to pick him up for “observation,” as my son had *possibly* blacked-out during the incident. Incidentally, after the accident, my son asked the staff if he could attend a school assembly while he was in the sick room...and was allowed to do so. No clinical professional was observing him, despite our being told he needed “constant” observation. Much as we love our son’s teacher, she is NOT a medical professional, and to expect her to observe mental status changes during an assembly is a bit much, IMHO.
Long-story-short: my husband brought him to my office for me to check out: neuro exam slightly “off,” so I made the call to take him to the local ER to have someone ELSE look at him. Two doctors evaluated him, along with the RN, and all agreed he probably had a concussion...but less likely a bleed. Truly, I was grateful to have someone else make that call...even if my $500 deductible will apply for his visit.
I don’t LIKE being the patient...or the MOM to the patient. However, it was a great reminder that we have to remember to look at things through patient eyes...in every day interactions...or emergencies. Sounds obvious...but when we are busy with the daily tasks...it’s easy to forget this.
Kim Spering is a family nurse practitioner who currently works at Brndjar Medical Associates, P.C., a family practice in Emmaus, PA. Her past experience includes the fields of medical/surgical ICU, open heart/trauma ICU, labor and delivery, nursing education, nursing supervision, and as a nurse practitioner in both family practice and OB/GYN settings. She currently serves as a NP preceptor for her graduate school alma mater, DeSales University, as well as for local baccalaureate programs. She is passionate about patient education and helping patients understand that they are ultimately responsible for their own health. She also firmly believes that the public needs to be educated on the value of NPs and PAs in meeting the health care needs of the next decade and beyond. In her free time, Kim enjoys family vacations with her optometrist husband, Mark, and her two sons, Matthew and Connor.
The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and it is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.
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