At my recent cardio prac, I had a post op patient with multiple complications resulting in him requiring multiple drips and drains. and i mean multiple! Some of his drains included 2 nephrostomy tubes, an IDC, a colostomy bag, IVC, PICC line, 2 drainage bottles.
When it came time to ambulate the patient, the nursing staff on duty at the time was kind enough to offer her assistance. Because this patient had not gotten out of bed for at least 7 days (plus the fact that he was in loads of pain) , he was quite deconditioned. It took about half an hour to ambulate the patient a mere 5m, and throughout, the nursing staff was kind enough to sacrifice her tea break to help me with the patients drains.
So often, we underestimate the importance of good teamwork and the impact it has on our job. Be it a receptionist, the ward cleaner, or even the PCA's, i feel that it is our duty to acknowledge them as they make going to work every morning, just that bit more pleasant.
1 comment:
Hi mel,
I totally agree with you in that other team/ward members are often very helpful. Be it a cleaner when you are ambulating a patient with thousands of attachments and oxygen tank while also requiring assistance to ambulate, simply shifting an obstacle on the path can be so helpful. Therefore I think it is essential for us to appreciate them but unfortunately, quoting my supervisor, we Physios are often regarded as the most arrogant of all and I reckon it is time for us to change that image :)
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