Just back from the NICU. Tonight was not a good night for me. The nurse on duty for Max had a poor bedside manner and really left me with a disquieted feeling. She seemed keen to point out not only 1) the few things that aren't going well, but also 2) the negative outcomes that can be associated with them.
For example, today he had renewed petechial spotting on his face. When this happened a few days ago, other nurses pointed out that (given his low platelet count) this could be caused by temporary high blood pressure and red face associated with a crying fit. However, tonight's nurse was able to note that it is also a symptom of liver failure, and went on to talk about how many such babies waiting for liver transplants "don't make it". Did I need to hear that?
Every time I would bring up one of the signs of positive progress he's had, she would respond with "yes, but..."
Whatever.
It's 1:40am now. I got home more than an hour ago and just starting to wind down. I'm having a wee dram, then off to bed.
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If the staff would only sit in your shoes for a day they would see the devastating effect of the simple words they say (or dont). There's a reason shes on the night shift.
ReplyDeletepampam