How do you know when you’ve made a difference?
I was in the break room when I got a page to the unit. I walked out and there, in the hall, were two elderly men. As I approached they called out my name. “Are you Diane?” I said, "yes, how may I help you? The taller man asked if I remembered them. I said I was sorry but could they refresh my memory? He said, “Seven years ago my brother had a stroke and was in room 4057.” I asked you if people ever recover from such severe illness. You said, “Many do not but sometimes they do and come back to show us how well they are doing?” You said, “ We are doing all that we can and the rest is up to the grace of God.“ “When you said that it gave me shivers. I knew what you were saying was true. You gave my brother great care and today I bring him back to you to see how well he is doing. We both want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts.“
How do you know when you have made a difference? If you are fortunate, people may come back to you and let you know how your words or touch affected them. Often, truth be told, you may never know. Be open to the connection that you feel with your patients and their families. You will feel a tight bond with some and perhaps nothing with others. Realize your presence is a gift to someone having the worst experience of their life. Take an extra moment to relate to and comfort them. They need you, and it is no accident that you are in this place and time. Tell yourself when you know you have done a good thing. Keep a journal of those special times, and you will be amazed when you go back later and read it. Always stay in touch with the true purpose of your life and career. We don’t get forever in this life, so make it count.
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