The Pickle Jar
I threw the pickle jar in the
garbage. I wasn’t sure if it was washed
good enough and I didn’t want to wait to recycle day. So I threw the pickle jar in the garbage.
If you asked me if I recycle I
would say “of course” because actually I do – but not always would be the more
honest answer. I’m not sure where the magazines
go so sometimes I throw them in the trash.
Yes, I recycle. Sometimes if a
can has sharp edges and I don’t know what to do I throw it in the trash. Yes, I recycle.
I care about the earth too yet
often enough I forget - or actually I am knowingling breaking rules for
convenience. Convenience so I don’t have
to find an answer or don’t have to obey the rules? Either way these rules are there for a reason
and if I am breaking these rules, my behavior may effect someone else.
Imagine if medical
professionals did that. Oh never you
might think?
A patient needs two people to
lift her. The nurse does it herself and
drops the patient injuring herself and the patient. Asking name and birth date – takes too
long. Introduce themselves to the
patient – why bother, I told them yesterday who I was. Check medication with the patient in case the
doctor stopped the medication and the order is not in the chart. Why bother?
If you think they might cut
corners, ask your clinician to check your medication, introduce themselves, wash
their hands and explain information so you can understand it. Just because they want to cut corners don’t
let it be with you. Even if the hospital you are visiting encourages staff to do these things and have been recognized for their work, doesn't mean the person walking into your room, or your family members room knows this. Help them not cut corners.
Cutting corners and breaking
rules is not a good thing for patient safety (or the environment)
