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Monday, April 14, 2008 -- 10:45 AM
My day has gotten off to a very good start. My home health care nurse (Shirley) came to see me as she does every Monday. Last Friday, she came to see me very unexpectedly. It was obvious that she was upset and angry. My doctor talked to her office and asked that they arrange for me to get some legs splints to wear at bedtime because I was developing sores on the heels of my feet. In telling me this, she raised her voice and started waving and pointing her hands at me as if I were a child. Since I was lying flat in bed, and she was 6'5" tall, I felt very intimidated by her.
This morning I told her that if my doctor called her agency and gave them orders concerning me, it was not my fault, and I did not appreciate her taking out her anger on me. I told Shirley that because of some abuse, I have had in my past; her actions and words made me frightened and scared of her.
Shirley said that she had been angry at the orders she received from my doctor because she knew that the leg splints he had wanted me to use would have caused me to have skin breakdowns on my legs. She told me that she had never intended to speak to me that way or to take her anger out on me. Shirley then apologized to me, and before she left today, she apologized to the two CNAs who helped me.
I think I handled the situation very well. Rather than having a confrontation with her, I managed to express my feelings in a calm manner. I feel that we both understand one another much better, and that there will be better communications between us in the future.
Before leaving my apartment, Shirley asked if there was anything, she could do to make it up to me. I jokingly told her that if she would give me $1 million, I could forget almost anything. LOL
I had a very nice weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, I watched several videos, did some reading, and listened to music. It was one of the most restful weekends I have had in a long time.
Quotes for Success:
“Seventy percent of success in life is showing up.”
Woody Allen
Comments
GLad things worked out well for you today hugs-Stephanie
CoolGal
This was such a soft, sweet journal to read.
You did an amazingly wonderful job with Shirely.
Most people, who had your past, might have let anger color their interactions.
Again, the diplomatic route is the higher road.
You are very good at it, too.
" It was one of the most restful weekends I have had in a long time. "
I am so very happy for you.
GoodGod