Patients

The patient experience begins and ends with compassion.

~ Jean Watson

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I had to stay in the hospital for a few days not too long ago. The people were very nice, but I really wanted to go home. The first day the doctor said I might get released that day. I did not. The next day the doctor said I would probably be released. Then it looked like I was going to have stay yet another night. I got a little upset.

I was talking to my nurse - who was wonderful. I said, "If you work tomorrow, maybe don't ask for this room. I understand that I can't go home today, but if I don't get released tomorrow I'll be really upset and you've been so kind that I don't want you to have to deal with that."

She smiled and said, "Michelle, you are a very calm person. Even if you were upset, I don't think it would be problem."

She paused for a moment and then added, "Also, I'm off tomorrow."