Today’s will be a busy day. At least until around mid-afternoon. It’s a good busy, though.
Eyes
Dr. Hinkle sent me a text yesterday, wondering if he might be able to stop by this morning to take a look at Ryan’s eyes. He makes me smile. No matter how many times I tell him he doesn’t have to ask if he can come over, he still does. For one, his ongoing care gives him 100% access to Ryan. Second, I enjoy him coming over. He always has a good story or two to tell and I appreciate his self-deprecating humor.
Nursing Interview
I’m meeting with a nursing agency at 2:00 this afternoon. From what I understand, the Director will be accompanying. Obviously, this is a good sign… on the surface, anyhow. It lets me know they understand the weight of taking on Ryan as a patient (and me as a pain in the ass, I’m guessing).
I will say that I am impressed with the response of our current nursing agency related to the unfavorable trend in their coverage lately. The Director spent a good deal of time on the phone with me Tuesday morning. I learned a lot about the challenges of the industry, especially in my area. I also know she followed-up with all nurses on payroll clarifying policy and procedure. Her anger was not hard to miss. Anyhow, this is a response that I feel is proper. I appreciate it.
She understands that I have reason to “test the waters” and is willing to work with me to ensure a smooth transition if I decide to change agencies. This courtesy makes me wonder if there is really anything better out there. Perhaps this is the best and I should just stop expecting more. Beyond this, with the Director (apparently) squarely in our corner, I would expect performance to improve quickly, both in scheduling and absenteeism.
In the mean time, my relationship with the outgoing nurse (who never showed the other night) is strained. I do my best to avoid conversation with her in front of Ryan, since I’m not so sure I’m hiding my disgust. It’s not that I am being mean… that would serve no purpose. I’m just untrusting and overly critical.
Hmm, I guess I now I know how it feels to be my wife.
My dear favorite “Pain-in-the-ass” 🙂
I have have read LOTS about the “general medical profession” for years, and in addition, I have had some very instructive personal “contacts” with said profession while in charge of my parents’ healthcare. (DON’T get me started…) Here is what my educated advice for you is…
Ken, DO shop around. EVERY ORGANIZATION, including Health organizations, have a WONDERFUL “Damage Control” plan, if, for no other reason, than “they don’t want to lose your BUSINESS”…HOWEVER, it amazes me how little “How high do I jump” service they have BEFORE the CRISES happen….
I may be wrong, but here is MY ADVICE: shop around, while you say a prayer to God (“give me insight”) and keep your eyes and ears open for clues as to their REAL SERVICE-after you have signed on the dotted line.
Actually, the whole thing is a crap shoot.
I pray–for Ryan’s sake specially–the Lord blesses you with a heavenly “Zing!” before you roll the die…
God Bless you All!
Even after your decision, continue to squeek, squeek, squeek…don’t get me wrong–BE NICENESS” personified, but “carry the big stick of insistence” especially starting your phone calls AS SOON AS YOU SEE any future foreseeable “Murphy”s Law” tiny-teeny cloud looming in the horizon…
Remember: “Sweet as honey, but PERSISTENT…”
I absolutely agree. All aspects of medical care have gone to hell in a hand basket as my mother used to say. Although I believe there is apathy in most jobs out there today, you don’t expect it in the medical profession but a. they don’t care like you care and b. it is easy for them to walk away and c. unfortunately, no matter how bad they are, they will get hired by someone else and their records will not follow (ever have a “traveling nurse” in a hospital? ) Keep them on their toes! Expect the best and question when you do not get it. Don’t settle! These people and agencies are getting big bucks and the “director” should have no excuses when it comes to caring for Ryan or anyone else! It is her job to make sure her nurses are doing their job! She should be calling people like you on a regular basis to check up on the performance of the nurses! Don’t expect what you don’t inspect! Perhaps the director interviewed this afternoon will understand. There are still a few good ones out there. You just have to keep looking to find one. Quite frankly, I don’t think it has a thing to do with degrees but their heart and compassion.
Ken, you’re doing the absolutely right thing for Ryan. You keep doing what you’re doing for Ryan. Be his ‘Harry Truman’ and “… Give ’em hell, Harry!!!” Seriously, your love speaks volumes!!
“From what I understand, the Director will be accompanying.”
Sounds promising. I’m looking forward to hearing some good news.
Hello Ken, just like always you’ve got this, but I’ll be praying all day long for you that everything happens as it should. Sending lots of love, hugs and good thoughts to you, Sue, Ryan and Kari. Paula
Dear Ken, Hope all is fine with Ryan’s eyes and you get the best of the best for Ryan and you..Also praying everything works out .Know you’ll pick right one ..Hugs for Ryan and say hi to Sue and Kari, Gail
Ken:
You are doing a great job in your care for Ryan! You do whatever it takes and I greatly admire you.
I lost my mother in law to ovarian cancer 3 years ago. I stayed with her in the hospital for almost a month before she passed and it scared me to witness the negligence. It is so exhausting to see someone you love in such a sad state and then to witness bad care, just makes you crazy. I will pray that the perfect care will be sent your way. If my husband and I lived near you…we would love to help you. I find myself frustrated that I can’t help you more than just monetary. I am reminded that prayer is the best help I can give you at this time. Reach out to us…if there is something we can do out here in America, let us know. Keep your chin up and give it to God…the best nurse will coming knocking. God Bless you…I have been following you for a while now and think of you and your family often.
Warmest Regards,
Hatmaker family
Good job being proactive to seek a change. Good luck with the new agency.