Over the weekend, I watched several college basketball games. I like college basketball as it is all about heart and soul. As I watched, I recalled how I got interested in the sport. I remember back to March of 1986 when I did a few home care cases for extra money.
One of the patients was John. John had advanced ALS. He could not do anything for himself but was awake and alert and could still talk. Allowing us to carry on some interesting conversations.
I worked with him all through March when the college basketball teams were having their tournaments to see who would get into the NCAA Division One men’s basketball tournament, a single-elimination tournament with 68 teams competing in seven rounds for the national championship. The penultimate round is the Final Four when only four teams are left. It is the highlight of the college basketball season.
John loved college basketball. As I worked Saturday and Sunday from 7 to 7, we had a lot of time to watch the games on TV. After I did my work, we would sit together and watch basketball. We would talk about the plays and were excited when the games came down to buzzer-beaters.
It was a memory I cherish, as I know I was giving John a few hours of enjoyment. I left about 7 pm after giving him PM care so he could go to sleep. When I returned in the morning, the wife told me I tired him out as he slept through the night!
One day, I talked to the wife, and she said, “You are the only nurse who sits with him when they are here.” I said where do they go? She said, “Most of them do the necessary care and then sit in the living room, leaving him alone.” I said, I never considered doing that, as I was there to care for him, not sit in another room.”
I valued the time I spent with John. It was hard work, but it was also fun. Watching the basketball games helped pass the time, but I really enjoyed talking to him, learning about his life, and sharing a few hours of enjoyment with him! To me this was ‘patient-centered care’
What memories do you have of being a bedside nurse, a home care nurse, or a caregiver? Share in the comment section!
Have a good week!
Such a beautiful reflection, Anne. I love how your care for John integrated a therapeutic relationship and a surprising gift for you….basketball!
I remember working on a LTC unit, mostly with older folks who had dementia, but there was a younger woman with MS…totally dependent and always in bed. I used to get my lunch and sit with her during meal breaks once in a while to talk about her dreams. In her dreams she was fully mobile! She’d keep track of them and share them and offer interpretations! Interesting for me and I think helpful for her in some way. In any case, I smile remembering. 🙂
Nice Beth. They are what made our careers interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Caring is a holistic process that addresses as many aspects of the patient as are available. Part of caring is bonding with the patient and family as you spend time together.
So pleased that you bought sincere joy to John!
Happy March Madness!
What a great reminder for each of us. Caring for another person may require the completion of any number of tasks and responsibilities, but ultimately, we need to connect with our patients/clients and engage in a way that is meaningful to them – and often, to us as well (as you so aptly pointed out)! Thank you, Anne, for sharing your meaningful moments with John.
What a great memory. Simple, yet so profound! Not only did it benefit him (in the moment) but all these years later it has stuck with you as a memory. How wonderful. Sometimes a simple conversation can heal the soul.
Anne,
Thanks for sharing this. I can think of several times I sat with a particular patient and his family after work hours as an NP and not the hospital’s nursing staff. My patient & family accepted me as a family member. I was there to support them in their decision making process. This was not easy for them as the family was not in agreement. After several weeks the family was supportive of taking their family member off life support. I was grateful for the opportunity to be with them at this difficult time.
Excellent service Anne! Thank you for sharing your expriences.