Walking through doors that lead to tough conversations is not an easy decision. I wrote before about a nurse who was not helpful to me during one of my procedures. I was back at the hospital today for some scans and came prepared with some treats for the compassionate care givers who worked with me that day. I also had a card for that nurse.

As I dropped off a package for the team who cared for me overnight, I saw her at the desk. I gave her the card and she started to thank me. I interrupted, “It’s not that kind of card.” She invited me into the office to talk to her about what had happened. She gets full credit for being open to hearing what I had to say and for her apology. I think she was quite shocked by what I had to say and after trying to defend herself, she found the right stance. I mentioned that I am sure she is more than who she was to me that day. We all have our bad days and nurses are overworked. Patients are stressed. It can be a bad combination.

What I wanted her to know though was that patient needs should come first and that her needs overrode mine that day. She heard me. I believe she won’t treat other patients in similar ways. That was all I needed to see. I am glad I walked into the arena, as Brene Brown says, and had my say about compassion. I think this nurse learned a valuable lesson today. I also learned one about standing up for myself.

What holds you back from hard conversations?

Peace,

Suzanne