"Unprofessional conversations"

I attended the Day medicine unit at FVRH for my regular IV infusion, it’s such a friendly place and the care is very good. 

There are usually Student Nurses on placement, the conversation between some of them ( in earshot of patients ) was I felt unprofessional at times. A student described their placement in the Day Medicine Unit as “ cushtdy “, going onto say that in the main student nurses didn’t like the wards as they were “ heavy “ with “ lots of personal care to be done especially in the morning, it’s brutal “. To me that language demonstrates no person centredness, no understanding that it’s a privilege to assist patients and the difference that personal care can make to how we are feeling and our wellbeing. 

They had time to stand and chat but showed no interest in my treatment or my underlying disease which is rare and complex. In fact in the 3 years I have been attending the Day Medicine Unit only 1 student nurse has ever shown interest in me as a patient and person, every other interaction has been task orientated including the request to do “ obs “ ( what does that mean to a lay person )? 

Patients have functioning ears! One of these days these students may need care and help. I fully support the fact that nursing is now a degree profession, that doesn’t mean that the art of nursing, caring for your patients, is now obsolete. The lack of clinical curiosity, which a degree should foster, is very sad. 

My intention is not to get anyone into trouble but to highlight that patients appreciate holistic care that meets all our needs, even the “ heavy “ ones.