The telephone bell is a lifesaver for patients

Sharon Nam Dobbs, MN, RN At University Health Network in Toronto, where I work, we pride ourselves on providing patient- and family-centered care. Two years after becoming a nurse, I needed to undergo an MRI at St Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. As a nurse, I often send patients for tests – whether or not they are X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs or CT scans. I explained to the patients what these tests were, what the outcomes is perhaps, and guaranteed them that “it would be fine,” but I didn’t want to present the patients a false sense of assurance. Patients often search for information aside from what I provided them. They desired to know things like, “Will it hurt?” or “Does having this test mean I’m very sick?” Now it was my turn to experience what my patients experience. During an MRI examination, the patient lies still on a table that moves into the MRI scanner in a closed space. The scanner rotates and makes loud noises. Because I used to be very nervous about each the closed space and the noise coming from the machine, the doctor prescribed me an anti-anxiety medication, which I took before entering the room for the examination. However, the drugs did nothing to calm my nerves as I lay on the table. The technician handed me the bell and told me that if I needed it, I should press the button. When I asked him, “If I press the button, will you come immediately?” he replied, “Yes.” That one word calmed me like nothing else could. And although my anxiety level remained high as I used to be moved into the enclosed area of ​​a big, noisy, spinning machine, I didn’t ring the bell. I used to be in a position to loosen up enough to complete the test without having to leap off the table. But in moments like these, I experienced an “aha” moment – ​​understanding the connection between the patient and the bell. Hospitals will be scary places for a lot of patients. They don’t understand much medical or nursing jargon and will misinterpret your treatment plan. For example, a care plan may involve maintaining a patient’s current health status while the patient can expect to be restored to health. However, considered one of the constant values ​​of patients is the hope that health care providers will make the bell a priority. The bell doesn’t disturb nurses at work – it’s a lifeline connecting the patient with the nurse. It is a tool through which the patient can say, “I need you.” The calling bell speaks to patients who cannot speak. Connects an immobilized or disabled patient with a nursing station. For some patients, that is the difference between life and death, and it’s a source of relief for a helpless person when a nurse comes to assist. After the MRI, I could not tolerate ringing tones that went unanswered, nor could I watch others dismiss the ringing bell without checking to see why the patient was ringing. My nursing practice has improved and is more conscious of calls because my patients feel more confident in my confidence, care and level of empathy. I understand what it means to be a patient and I understand the necessity that motivates a patient to activate the decision system. A fast response to the bell reduces anxiety levels, eliminates misunderstandings, improves patient and family satisfaction, and hopefully improves the patient’s prognosis. Answer the bell! Sharon Nam Dobbs, MN, RN, works within the bariatric clinic at Toronto Western Hospital. To comment, please write an email [email protected].