Tough choices a reality, but it's all about caring

Let’s just say you are a 70-something fragile lady who has just cheated death from a bleeding ulcer. Let’s just say you are a patient at a regional hospital like the one in Payson, Arizona. Let’s imagine that you are a bit shaky, but have (almost) recovered from the loss of every drop of blood in your fragile body.

Just then, a freaky snowstorm completely blocks the roads leading into or out of the small community where you live; sort of like Tonto Village, for example -- no way to get home or get someone out right away to come get you. We’re just sayin’ of course.

Well, what if a person with some authority at that hospital comes to your hospital room and demands that you vacate the room immediately? In a tone rather cold and huffy, ending with a scolding: “We are not running a hotel here, you know,” this individual makes it clear that the hospital feels no further responsibility for you. Now, we can’t know exactly what the situation might have been, but let’s say it’s conceivable that more than one person could verify this account.

While we are at it, what if a good friend, a registered nurse dedicated to E.R. work, tells you through sobs that she can no longer tolerate the terrible environment she is forced to work with - especially the rigid, dictatorial attitude and strong emphasis of cost cutting over basic human values which have become requirements for work at this hospital. Let’s suppose that another individual, highly skilled and dedicated, quits his hospital job and decides to commute daily to the Valley for work, rather than endure the daily misery he feels, being required to adopt a cold, mechanical approach to his job. Just sayin‘, of course.

We certainly wouldn’t approve of such a scenario at our local hospital, would we? Truth be told, I have personally received warm, caring attention at Payson Regional Medical Center, so I know it exists. But, let’s just say the word “inconsistent” has been used in a gentle attempt to describe some exceptions to the norm.

Cost cutting is a way of life these days. We all understand that. You make do with what you have, and you try to stretch your resources as far as possible.

Heck, the medical world has far better resources than it ever has, even with cutbacks, so we are better off than generations before, I’m certain. The lack of healthcare insurance for a growing number of individuals has put enormous pressure on hospital emergency rooms to become the first line of defense for treating every conceivable medical problem. Seeing a private doctor is no longer an option for a great many individuals.

So, is it any wonder that stress levels are pushed to the max at many hospitals today? God bless the folks who do the difficult work under difficult conditions. Frustration is their daily companion, no doubt.

But what about the enormous satisfaction of seeing a life saved or severe trauma minimized? Within some people exists the capacity to actually experience pleasure in the act of helping others. I’ve witnessed it. Many of us have.

Having this motivation is a unique calling, Only a select number develop the true ability to deliver superior care in urgent situations. Sometimes the rule-book must be altered, but only by individuals who have a complete understanding of the rules. This can, and does, occasionally lead to conflict between doctors who are required to attend strict protocols or sometimes risk malpractice lawsuits and nurses who have to make quick decisions based on a lifetime of experience. Even without direct conflict, differences of opinion based on knowledge of the situation can, and do, occur. Add to this mix - hospital administrators whose jobs depend on controlling a tight budget, no matter how unrealistic.

Two aspirins and a Band-Aid per patient - no exceptions!
(just kidding)

Let’s say that a certain personality type is required to juggle all the challenges presented in a hospital environment today. Let’s say that the best ones at least see their glass as half-full and “make do” better than some others. Let’s imagine that good work is recognized and rewarded and that every effort is made to create a team atmosphere rather than an adversarial one in the work environment. Some say that would be a huge improvement at a certain regional hospital, which seems to lose good help on a regular basis.

I’ll bet the little old lady who was asked to leave would say nicer things, too. Just sayin’.