Observation Opportunity

Yesterday I found myself in the emergency room for 6 hours. As I sat patiently waiting for each step in the process I was in I worked on readings and homework for both courses. As people came in and out of the lobby I couldnt help but ask questions and engage in conversations with patients. During the 6 hours I studied this organization in the way we are working on our assignments.

Admissions: Smiling, approachable, would pop head out of window and check in with patients, give updates on status or how many ahead of them

Nurses: Discussed only one doctor and he had a busy load, friendly with each other and verbally asked to support each other,offered drinks, helped in getting bottles for babies

Doctor: Spent time with each patient, thourough, did not rush progress, asked questions and engaged in "stories"

Patients...I met and had conversations with people that were warm and supportive. One couple in the lobby had just moved to the area and had a million questions. Being in this area for 22 years, I had a million answers. Another couple and I were called into a room at the same time. As we went through the doors we looked at each other and said...we finally made it to the other side. As that man walked around the next few hours he continued to wave, smile and say a few kind words to the people he had met. As the 6 hours went on phone numbers were shared and as patients were discharged goodbyes were said.

Volunteers: As I was wheeled to x-ray by a volunteer I asked the purpose of her position. She told me her hope to go to UCLA and become a bio-chemist and she wanted to learn as much about the medical field prior to that time. When she brought me back to my room she asked if I needed anything and brought me a warm blanket.

My take away...I enjoyed my emergency room experience and was able to take the focus away from the 6 hours of waiting and instead enjoy the people I met and look at the organization through a new lense. My feel was a group of people who supported and liked working together. They have a difficult job and a certain balance they must always have. They deal with people and personalities who have had  life and health compromised. I learned the importance of patience from this experience. This is huge because it is easy to get so rushed in work, family, college etc and not  take time for the little things. People matter, relationships matter and slowing down to build trust is a good thing!