Just yesterday, a patient shared a kind remark that stayed with me, and I felt it was worth writing about and sharing with you. The patient noticed the time I spent with her, patiently answering all her questions and concerns with reassurance, and mentioned how unusual it was. She thanked me with a deep sense of appreciation, and that gesture lingered with me throughout the day. She observed that most of us clinicians move through our unscripted tasks at lightning speed. That extra attention I gave her stood out, prompting her to voice her gratitude. Her comment made me reflect on the value of patience—not just in caregiving but in life as a whole.
One of the things I have learned over the years on the job is that human beings are highly intelligent and observant, no matter their state of health. Some of us have the habit of treating sick people as if they don’t matter much and are burdens to bear over the course of our shifts. That is wrong on all levels. There is no time a human being feels more vulnerable than when their health is compromised, and they find themselves in a hospital or healthcare environment. The fear and uncertainty alone are enough to bring someone down health-wise, and that is when we need to have time and patience to help alleviate their fears and anxieties.
On being impatient—we now live in a time where the word patience feels almost meaningless. I am sure our younger generation doesn’t know what it means, let alone understand delayed gratification. We order things from the comfort of our homes on Amazon and expect them delivered to our doorsteps the next morning, or even, in some places, the same day. How does that shape our mindset and even our ethics or morals as consumers? Think about it, somebody somewhere is paying a big price for our instantaneous consumption.
Let’s talk about food. Our food, which is supposed to nourish the body and requires time to cook, is often thrown into a microwave and consumed at the speed of light. You can also think about fast food. Fast food might be quick, but nutritionally, there’s often nothing to write home about as far as the body's needs are concerned. And what does that do to our health and well-being?
At our core are relationships. These relationships, which need time to mature, are often rushed through with swipes left and right on apps, often discarding meaningful human connections. What effect does that have on our relationships with each other? No wonder the Bible specifically states that patience is a virtue and a gift of the Holy Spirit.
We must, in all the things that make us human, develop patience, especially for one another and in our relationships.
Please don’t think I’m preaching; far from it, for I have my own moments of impatience too. Patience, however, is not always easy, and it often requires time. I pray we have the discipline to exercise patience, despite the forces making it seem impossible to do so.
God bless you!
I remain your pal,
Ronnie
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