Team Members - Fully Present

After drying out after yesterday's flash flood, I wanted to share a note I received from one of our Critical Care Nursing leaders after reflecting on the day's events. I couldn't have said it better myself, and appreciate her taking the time to capture the teamwork and selflessness we have seen over the past couple of days. Thanks to our entire team for the heart and dedication that you have shown and the spirit that defines the essence of Jewish Hospital!

Reflection (Written by Joris K., night of August 4 and morning of August 5^th following record rainstorm which closed St. Mary’s Hospital)

We know that customers want our full attention when we are with them. How frustrating it is to purchase a product in a store and have the store clerk answering the phone, while dealing with other issues, when all you really want is to check out and be on your way. It is also frustrating to go to a restaurant and have your meal arrive only to wonder, “how did I get that-it wasn't what I asked for?”

I see this in healthcare so often. Team members bring "personal problems", and other stressors to the job-our attention is just not 100% there, and our patients feel this so strongly. I believe what patients really want is someone's full attention to assure they are getting what they need to feel better.

Yesterday was such a great example of why I am so proud to work at Jewish Hospital. We came together-giving every bit of our attention as health care providers to open units that had been closed for weeks, and to assure that everything was 100% ready for whatever rolled into our door from St. Mary's. We gathered supplies, checked emergency equipment, rebooted computers, made beds, mopped floors, and did everything in our power to assure readiness. I saw a unit make a banner to welcome St. Mary's and their patients, I observed nurses offer their St. Mary's colleagues rides home and money for unexpected emergencies when their purses and money were left behind. I saw team members lined up at the nursing units entrance welcoming the stretchers carrying the misplaced patients and confused families to our facility. One director came to assist a unit and did things like putting batteries in dead telemetry packs, finding water pitchers and urinals; one AVP put on scrubs and assisted in getting meals to patients who had not been able to eat all day due to the water in the kitchen at St. Mary's. Throughout the entire day and evening, I never heard anyone say, "I don't have time". Instead we washed away all the lines that usually differentiate us from different professionals and departments and came together to provide whatever the patient and our new teammates needed. Yesterday we were not nurses, we were not pharmacists, we were not radiology technicians, instead, ­we were all team members bonded together to assure that our patients were safe, and protected during a very vulnerable time.

We were fully present, not just physically present. Sometimes healthcare is about profound moments, sometimes it is about pills, bedpans, and dressing changes, but it is always about being there for people who need you. We sure came together to do that yesterday-my sincere wish is that our St Mary’s patients and colleagues feel this warmth and welcome on the last day they are here as strongly as they did on their first day here.

Team Members - Fully Present