!#$!$# - I could just scream!
I'm so incredibly peeved right now that it's putting the final lid on my exhaustion for today.
Like I said earlier, Doug was moved to the Intermediate Care Unit and the past two days feels more like two weeks.
Yesterday - Winston and I had to stand sentinel over Doug's injured leg because of the "last rites" taking place in the bed next to him ( Read more... )
I know part of the problem is that there is a lack of appropriately trained nurses these days - both due to lack of availability and hospitals cutting back on personnel. I would see about getting a lawyer, and being prepared to use the leverage of legal action if they don't make a greater effort to provide adequate care (what he is getting now is NOT adequate.) I am surprised at Fairfax hospital though - when both my dad and mom were there in critical situations (my dad was in a coma for several days and there was a lot of special attention he needed during the month he was there) and we had excellent care - though it did require us being on top of things and complaining vociferously if things were wrong. Sometimes it is the kind of reputation your doctor has with the staff there - you might want to see if you can get a bead on his/her interaction with the staff - if you can get the doctors' making inquiries on Doug's behalf and making it clear that they are most concerned, maybe that will help. The other thing I would recommend is getting the full name of everyone on staff for each shift you are there - make it OBVIOUS you are taking names. If you can't get folks to do the right think because they are morally driven to do so - you can often get them to do the right thing because of fear of reprisals. I hate going that route, but lately it seems to be the one that works the best, due to the perceptions of others around us. Regardless - our thoughts, prayers and efforts are all behind you - and if you need things let us know and we will do what we can to help out. Blessings, Lilly.
BTW - in each unit there is someone who is a patient advocate - if you have not met this person, ask about her/him and see if you can't get a name and work with this person too. Neither Doctors, nor Nurses nor Hospitals can afford bad press or lawsuits - work that to your advantage. Doug has more than a chance to get better - keep those odds in your favor through continued perseverance, love and caring. And that means taking care of you too. BTW - a little schmoozing of the nursing staff can also help (this going the opposite route of threatening them) - learning their names and chatting with them usually does wonders in improving caregiving - if they know you not only care for your loved one, but that you also care about them (the nursing staff) and acknowledge their efforts it should encourage to care more in return. Basic human nature. Hint - go for the soft approach first - as the saying goes, you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar ;-> (though what the heck you would want with even MORE flies is beyond me - unless you are using them for fish bait :p )
Hang in there - and again, if there is someway we can help - let us know.
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And I WISH we could get him a private room but there aren't any in this ICU.
However - I have some new contacts to try complaining to tomorrow so hopefully I'll get some action.
Thanks for the excellent info! I'll add your ideas to my list :o) I won't give up until I feel Doug is safe.
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