I think it was the tea. For several days last week, I methodically decluttered my closets and drawers in one bedroom, one kitchen, one living room, one dining room, one study, one hallway, and three bathrooms. My husband even noticed. “Whatever you’re on, let me know, so next time the house needs to be cleaned, …
Continue reading Tea-inspired Decluttering Party Naturally Leads to “Caring Lessons”
Imagine my delight reading the August/September' AARP magazine. On page fifteen: "Is it time to divorce your doctor?" The content fits right in with what I've written about doctors' therapeutic communication skills, or lack thereof. Author Caroline E. Mayer lists six reasons why it may be time to change doctors, all dealing with "substandard communication" …
Fun things first. In honor of this third anniversary, I'm giving away one copy of Caring Lessons: A Nursing Professor's Journey of Faith and Self. All you have to do to qualify for a drawing is make a comment on this post. On Wednesday, September 25, I will randomly select one winner, contact that winner …
Continue reading Caring Lessons Celebrates Third Anniversary
Last week I praised my internist’s therapeutic communication skills and promised I’d write about some bad experiences soon that I’ve had during my nearly 15-year history of fibromyalgia. So today is the time to give you one example that still floors me years later.Some back story. When I taught nursing, therapeutic communication was my favorite …
Continue reading How is your doctor’s nonverbal communication?
“Don’t let it happen again,” said Marianna Crane, my nurse practitioner friend. I could hear the disbelief in her voice. Marianna and I share a history of graduating from diploma schools of nursing in the early sixties. At that time, a visible hierarchy existed in health care. Doctors were treated like gods. And, even though Marianna …
Continue reading Therapeutic Communication Skills – An Essential in Health Care
“Don’t tell me you are still itching,” a friend said yesterday. “That is just terrible! What’s been happening?” I’d not seen her in a month, and while she was off gallivanting across the world, I was continuing my journey from one doctor to another. As a retired nurse, I ask myself, every minute, What if …
The only thing I know is that I don't know. A thought attributed to Plato or Socrates (From my notes the last day of class, June 4, 2013)Today I want to give thanks for the University of Chicago's Basic Program of Liberal Education for Adults. And thanks for retirement years to be able to do …
Continue reading U of Chicago – Degree and Certificate Program Convocation Ceremony – 2013
"I'm at peace," I heard a woman say. My husband and I were attending Calvin's 50th reunion last weekend when I overheard this comment. She went on to explain that she was facing a life-threatening surgery. From her story and demeanor, I felt she was saying she was ready for any untoward outcome. I thought …
Continue reading Calvin College 50-year Reunion Celebration 2013
If you live with a chronic illness, you know that nothing surprises you. You are used to new symptoms arising out of the blue, and you are accustomed to doctors' visits, diagnostic tests, and hospitalizations. About a year ago, I swore off doctors for treatment of my fibromyalgia. Weary of chasing a cure and reaching …
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