Hope everyone made a smooth transition to their next prac.
I had one of my hardest days on Friday: I had a patient cry. She suffered a stroke last July and although she has been making wonderful progress she felt overwhelmed and cried for the majority of our session. I found myself playing counselor, not physio and although I think she felt better after our 'chat' I was left feeling drained.
2 comments:
KP,
It is a very emotional time for some people when they are sick, in pain etc. Sometimes it is when they need some attention. It is a hard call. I find on numerous occasions (especially in the elderly population) patients just want to ‘chat’ which can take up time and energy. I know it is not in our ‘job description’ perse, but I think we do have to be good listeners. It is when they start elaborating on more personal matters where we have to reel them back in to why WE (as physios) are seeing them. My suggestion is to let them vent (only for a minute or two, any more time and that will leave the door open for them to keep talking) and then voice your empathy and bring them back to why they are coming to see you ie. ‘I know it’s a difficult time…so that is why we are going to get you back up and walking, to clean that gunk out of your chest and get you back home!’ I’m sure you can do much better, you are a SUPER chatter and easy to talk to (that’s a complement!!). Good work KP!
Good on ya Kristie! I think it's great that you could be there for her during a difficult time. It's also a good thing that she felt she could trust you with a sensitive subject. Remember not to get too emotionally involved 'cos that can wear you out, especially if it happens frequently. Sometimes all you need to do is be there to listen when a patient needs to unload what's on their mind.
Mike
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