Caregivers Know Best?

mimi262015

Took my husband to the clinic today for our scheduled Covid and flu vaccines. Husband has Alzheimer's so moving very slowly. Before I could orient myself to the room and the different stations, anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications have left me with brain fog, one of the nurses started telling me to come over to her station. When I explained that my husband has Alzheimer's and needs to be right next to me at all times, doctor's orders, she abruptly pointed to the next station and told him to go there. When I tried again to explain he needs to stay with me she told me that she's just wanting to "get us on our way." This is really what she wanted for us rather that what was best for us. I opened my mouth once more to explain and she told me that I had an attitude and that she would no longer give me my shots and passed me off to one of her co-workers, thanks be to God!

Her co-worker was very kind and we had a pleasant conversation while she gave me my shots. My husband was sitting at the station he'd been directed to go to and that nurse quickly called me over to 'interpret' to my husband what was happening and to help pull his shirt sleeve up and hold him steady while she gave him his shots. When she was done with the vaccines, she looked at me and simply said, "I know it's very difficult." At that point as the exhausted caregiver that I am I burst into tears for the kindness and compassion she offered.

I'm very grateful for these two nurses for their professionalism and for their words and actions which demonstrated that I was worth listening to. Moreover, they conveyed the message that I do know best for my husband.

SusanB-dil

uughh!  yes - we have found that some 'professionals' get it, and some don't!  I am glad the compassionate one stepped up for you. It really makes a huge difference for the whole day.

toolbeltexpert

Mimi it's always good when folks have a christain attitude. I totally get your response, I've lost it many times when some one has compassion instead of an attitude. It's always good to do good. Being a total caregiver is really hard.

Stewart

mommyandme (m&m)

Professionals with sincere compassion for what we and our LOs are going through are “da bomb”! First nurse needs to get a real job.