Patient Care Satisfaction Questionnaire
My previous post asked readers why they would or would not consider a nursing career. For those that read it, comment or not, I'd like to thank you very much. I was blown away with the response.
I'm now going to ask you what you liked or disliked about the care you were given during your stay in hospital. Both posts will attempt to give an insight into nursing and patient care within the hospital system.
Please make a choice and give a brief reason for your decision in your comment.
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I'm hoping for a really big response to this one as well. I know I'm pushing my luck here but I would really like to know how you went.
To be continued...
29 comments - make a comment? Click here:
I've only been an out patient the last few years no long stays, here in Saskatchewan I believe we have one of the finest health care systems in the world, was given excellent care.
My husband was in the hospital for a month last year. He has osteoporosis, his spinal column was crushed flat in three vertebra and he had to have a lamenectomy. I would have to say that for the most part, the nursing staff was caring and qualified. They were also understaffed and for the life of me I will never understand their scheduling. It only stands to reason that they have to schedule shifts to have nurses there 24hrs each day, but they also rotated the nurses around the hospital so that he never had the same nurse more than 3 days. About the time we got a nurse understanding his needs, we had to train a new one. This makes no sense to me whatsoever. My husband was fortunate that I was able to be there with him every day and even at night if he needed me to be there. So I would say that the biggest problem with the hospitals in the US is that they're understaffed.
Hi! Bob. Thank you for that. I can add to that as well. I did some background checking on Saskatchewan and found out it had the best health status of all the provinces, which is an outstanding result.
As for nursing, it has two courses for those wanting to do nursing. One course, taken over 4 years, is the regular Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS), which is open to students with either high school or post-secondary education.
The other is the “NEW” Second Degree Entry Option open for students in May 2008, with program completion in less than two calendar years. It is available to students who have completed a baccalaureate degree, or have made significant progress toward a degree in another field.
Well! as a result of all that, I’ve learnt something new and I thank you for that.
Regards
Peter McCartney
The difference between the births of my children in different hospitals was night and day. They were both premature, emergency c's, less than 2 years apart.
In the first hospital, I had a wonderful experience. The nurses gave me painkillers and instructions in advance. Yet they were constantly checking on me and looking after baby. Although they were extremely busy, I felt very well cared for.
In the second hospital, I had to ring any time I needed any assistance or painkillers (including having baby bathed and weighed 3 hours after birth!). It averaged an hour before I had any response, and more time before they came back with what I had requested. They didn't offer any assistance whatsoever with baby, although I was in a lot of pain and out of it for the first day or so. This hospital was much less busy than the first one, and once I could walk again I actually went looking for nurses one time after I had rung. I found them in the back having a 'coffee break' and annoyed to be interrupted. I was in that hospital for a week and it was not a pleasant experience there. I felt like all of the patients were regarded as a major inconvenience.
I have so much respect for caring nurses and the jobs they do, and I wonder if they realize how large a role they play in birth and life stories...
I realize that different hospital policies accounted for some of the difference in my experience. But their individual personalities and actions made the majority of the difference to me. I will be forever grateful to the nurses at the first hospital for their kindness and caring.
starlily, I'm curious, in what country where these hospitals located?
Hi Moonshadow, Canada. My experience was almost 10 years ago. I know that now in our area, the hospitals are overbooked, and I was hearing on the news last night that some high risk pregnancies are being 'shipped' to hospitals in the States...
Hi! Moonshadow. You’re right; Nursing numbers need to be increased in the US and worldwide as soon as possible to ensure a high quality of nursing care.
To overcome this they need to reduce job burnout,dissatisfaction amongst nurses and options to increase the number of nursing educators in order to train more nurses.
I looked into it and found there are several strategies being considered to resolve this problem. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is reported to be “working to enact legislation, identify strategies, and form collaborations to address the nursing shortage”.
From what I have found out so far, the Kansas Board of Regents, May 2006, approved a ten-year, $30 million initiative aimed at increasing nursing capacity in the state by 25%.
I know this is not an overnight solution for you but I wish them the best in order to help people such as your husband.
Regards
Peter
starlily - that's almost scary, that they're shipping them to the states. We've got so many issues with our health care and some say that we should look to Canada for solutions and you tell me they're shipping patients here. What's it all coming to?
Peter - we've got people trying to work out solutions, but it's like one big tug-o-war with insurance and government (it's all about money). Problem is, it's the poor, the aged and the children that suffer the most from it all.
Hi! Starlily The first hospital sounded great. Your experience in the second hospital was atrocious and there is no excuse for that type of care. I hope you complained about your treatment.
Your comment reminds me of my wife’s experiences with our three sons. With our first child the nursing care was very sub standard. My wife experienced much the same as you did in the second hospital. It still haunts her today.
With our other two sons, we had nothing but praise for the hospital and nurses. They attended to her every need and mine as well, which was nice.
That brings me to another point. I was present in the delivery room on all occasions and was allowed to partially deliver my sons. I know this is not unique to Australian hospitals but I think it’s a good idea for the partner.
I hope all is well with your family and I thank you for your comment.
Regards
Peter
Hi! Moonshadow and Starlily. Sorry I’m late getting back to you but I had to find out why Canadians are going to the US, although it’s not unique for people from one country to go to another for treatment.
Reasons range from it being cheaper, very little to no waiting time, performed in far superior surroundings and all done with excellent nursing care. Some hospitals apparently have five star accommodation ratings, although I think this is mainly for cosmetic surgery.
As for Canada, all I could find out is that apparently Canadians avoid lengthy medical waiting lists by arranging for their treatment in American hospitals.
It’s also mentioned that Canadians can be operated on within seven days rather than six to ten months under the Canadian health system.
As to how true this I cannot say for certain as I found this information on the net.
Yes, it does have a lot to do with how well off one is and but it also goes to show what lengths countries will go to, to provide proper and prompt attention for those in urgent need of attention. Can't blame them really.
You are again right, it's the poor, the aged and the children that suffer the most from it all.
It's a world wide problem and no one has a quick fix for it as far as I know, unless you've got the money to get what you want or to get the job done properly.
Regards
Peter
Hi! Moonshadow and Starlily, in relation to high risk pregnancies going to the US, I found the answer at this address.
http://www.komotv.com/news/10216201.html
Regards
Peter
Interesting on several levels, Peter. I thought about the dual citizenship as I was reading it. Another came to me about how US women have a hard time finding obstetric care because so many doctors now refuse to deliver babies. The rate of malpractice suits went sky high in this field and women found themselves having to use midwives instead of doctors. Another thought had to do with the insurance for the Canadian women. I have some cousins in BC (my great-grandfather, a Mennonite, took his three youngest sons and went to Canada to escape conscription) and we planned a family reunion in California. Only one family from BC was able to come because the insurance for the older ones would have been to high to take the risk of not being covered during the trip. So this solution really puzzles me as to how they can do it. Too bad we don't know anyone in Seattle health care to ask.
Thanks for the info Peter!
At the following site is the video of the news broadcast I had mentioned:
http://www.canada.com/globaltv/bc/video/index.html
(You might need to click on the BC Premies in Seattle under Thursday's news hour)
It is interesting to wonder, when you take into account the cost of flying the patients down, as well as the stay, why the money isn't put into adding more facilities here... Our area is constantly increasing in population, as well as the mentioned increase in premature births so hopefully it's a matter of 'catching up' to the circumstances...
Moonshadow (I like your name!) interesting what you mention about doctors refusing to do obstetric care...Home births and midwives are quite mainstream here I think, but as a matter of choice...
Hi! Moonshadow. I thought the same thing. The duel citizenship could be a plus.
Malpractice claims and expensive premiums are driving doctors out of obstetrics and other specialist areas.
My search in regards to US doctors revealed "that doctors are retiring earlier than they would otherwise have, scaling down their practices (obstetricians refusing to deliver babies for example), or relocating to states where they can afford their liability coverage".
In the US and here in Australia I believe that many would be attracted to go back to concentrate on their general practises to avoid paying the higher premiums.
I know in Australia, besides having the nursing shortage, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) is concerned about the doctor shortage and is trying hard to rectify the problem.
The other concern here is that there are not enough doctors in remote areas. For patients that have a serious illness, they have to travel far from home to get the services they need.
Governments assisting with direct financial support for doctors, especially obstetricians who pay high premiums is one way to go.
Capping medical malpractice payouts is one other solution for the doctors but I imagine this would greatly disadvantage the patient making the claim.
As for midwives in private practise, I think they would be in the same position as the doctors when it comes to insurance premiums.
As for us, we are covered by private health insurance and medicare. We are paying almost $200a fortnight and find that a great hurdle. But one we are prepared to jump considering we are getting on a bit.
Regards
Peter
Hi! Starlily, just back from viewing the video. I liked the snow reports as well.
It seems a bit of a blame game at the moment. Hope they work it out real quick!
I did notice that the parents had to sleep on the floor. Here in Sydney, the "Ronald MacDonald House Charities Corporation" assists with parent accommodation in close proximity to the hospitals concerned.
I realise not every children's hospital has this type of facility, but I'm surprised that the children going to these US Hospitals appear not to have this type of support. Perhaps I'm wrong here.
Regards
Peter
My last hospital stay was for the birth of my second child. We opted for a C-section as the first was a C and a preemie and we did not want any complications.
The hospital we chose was St. Lukes Woman's Pavillion (SA, Texas). The staff was on the ball and very caring. The best surprise was that the rooms are all private!
The nurse that took care of me during several shifts (I was there for 4 days), was quite knowing of her profession. She basically saved my life when I had an allergic reaction to a Geomycin drip that had been prescribed for an infection I developed in my wound. I don't remember all of the specifics, but I do remember her staying after her shift to ensure that I was going to be okay. She also called to check on me after she went home that evening.
The hospital has security in place to prevent babies from being stolen. Not only do they put tagged (with detectors in the case of unauthorized removal or departure from the facility) arm bands, they have officers patroling the halls and stationed at all of the exits.
I felt extremely comfortable and safe during my stay. I recommend this hospital to everyone.
Hi! The Muse, I had a look at St. Luke's on the net and it was very impressive from what I could see.
Correct me if I am wrong here as the one I was looking at was St. Luke's Baptist Hospital - The Pavilion.
When we had our first child 28 years ago my wife's stay in hospital was about 7 days. Later on down the track, with the other two, the stays got shorter and shorter.
Hospitals don't want to keep mothers in for long now. Must have something to do with bed shortages perhaps.
I remember one mother, a body builder, was only in for one day. Her choice though.
I'm glad your experience with the nurse was a good one and I thank you very much for your visit and great comment.
Regards
Peter
Peter
My seventeen year old son was in the hospital getting Chemo for the first time . . . We were so nervous and a nurse came in and acted pretty silly, but she made us at ease, when our world was crumbling around us. So to be very honest, I think nurses have the hardest jobs of all and they feel the pain. My son is now one year CANCER-FREE . . . And we all share a bond, one I just can not explain . . . But I'm sure you know what I mean. Dreams are yours to share. Dan
Dreams are yours to share
Hi! Dan, I'm sorry to hear that your son had to go through the rigors of chemo but I'm elated that he is now doing well.
Nurses, depending on the circumstances and how well they read people, have their own unique ways of handling difficult times.
In this case it appears she made you more at ease using some light heartedness.
I think I know what you mean about the bond you mention. My second eldest son was initially diagnosed with cystic fibrous but fortunately this was not to be the case. Having three sons myself, I would be lost without them.
I do enjoy your poems and writings. I am also captivated and delighted by your enthusiasm to spread the word that "Dreams are yours to share".
Regards
Peter McCartney
Peter, I hope you will not mind my list of things. So when you are asked - do you want the bad or good news first, I always say, give me the bad one and then cheer me up with the good one. So here is the list:
(-)
- my cousin almost missed last session of chemo because someone did not look at the charts carefully
- when my father in law was in emergency they told us what to do, but then when everything was done, they send security to tell us that there were too many of us
- when I was lying in pain in the emergency room, the nurse was trying to give me iv, it was nearly impossible to administer, because they couldn't find any of my veins, and on top of that I was moving around from pain, I looked in his direction and he looked back and suddenly asked with deep mean voice - 'so why are you here for?'
(+)
- this positive list can be very long, but I remember when my grandmother was in the hospital she had this great polish nurse that took care of my grandmother like her own family, she cleaned her, she give her needles gently and she talked and listen
- when my father in law was the hospital, the male nurses were the best, they let us stay around, they did possibly everything to make him comfortable, and they also listen
- in general, I came across many nurses that were very knowledgeable that sometimes they were almost mistaken for doctor
- and lastly I came across nurses that were very and I say very carrying people, especially listening to peoples needs
Peter this is all I can come up with, and as always, I think even there are little negative experiences there and there, still I say majority I had experience with were outstanding.
Great post to start the conversation, looks like you got great turn out.
Anna :)
Hi! Anna, Just back from mowing the lawn. I love lists as it makes it easier to follow. Same for me, bad news first, good news last.
I think if anyone is to learn anything, nurses or whoever, constructive comments can only make a person do their job better.
At work we have six monthly talks with our supervisors. They give us positive and negative feedback if required. We also get the opportunity to speak our minds as well in order to make work a better place to be. A win win situation I believe.
If you get a person who really listens to you and goes out of their way to be extra caring, it does make your stay in hospital a better one.
Hospitals can be a very lonely place, even with all the people around you, when your suffering a great deal.
I might be biased here but I do believe most male nurses go out of their way to give extra care and attention towards their patients, especially elderly male and female patients.
I have been a patient myself on a few occasions. (My wife tells me I make a bad patient) The last visit was the result of a car crash. Broken ribs etc...
The visit was made all the better as I was on a morphine drip most of the time. The first time I had had it and I can tell you it was certainly one of my best trips to the hospital to date!
Anna, you and the others that have come here to visit, have given me heaps to digest and I thank you all very much.
Regards
Peter
Hi Peter, I'm sure you can imagine or maybe have gone through it yourself but being a patient who is also a medical professional can be a little strange.
If you don't inform them you are a nurse, I found that I had a bit of trouble getting the MDs in particular to listen to the medical history I wanted to give them. They focused on what was the most likely problem and went after it like guided missiles.
Finally, I told them I was a nurse and that I needed them to pay attention to what seemed like ancillary symptoms but were related to my problem and then I got the results I was looking for.
The flip side is once they know you're a medical professional they leave a lot of the nursing care to you but it's not so easy when you're the patient too!
Hi! Mickie, Great to get a nurses opinion on this one.
I have been in that position. On those occasions I didn't want to tell the doctors and nurses about it but eventually it came out one way or another; usually from the family members.
Looking back now, it would have been unfair on them not to have told them. As it would have made things harder for them and made them feel foolish when they found out later on.
Most times I have been a good patient / good boy, but on one occasion I could see that certain things were not being done properly. Even when I mentioned the issues to the attending nurse they were discarded.
Perhaps I was being too hard and over zealous but it was important to me.
In regards to doctors, I believe some patients are reluctant to tell their attending doctors and nurses everything in the fear they would be troubling them further during their busy shift. But doing this can put them in harms way.
They say too much information can be dangerous. But in this case I think it's very helpful for me to know that the doctor will be upfront with me, under the circumstances when I'm in hospital as a patient, to fully inform me of what's going on.
It can go the other way as well. Some doctors and nurses, knowing that you have a nursing background, may assume that you know everything there is to know about your condition and leave you to your own devices.
I'm sure you will agree with me that nurses do not know everything. I can only suggest and hope that the attending doctors and nurses will fully explain what there going to do with me and fully explain what's wrong with me, just to cover all bases.
Thanking you for your visit and great comment!
Regards
Peter
Oh Peter you got green grass, its been only a month since our slowly turn into hay, lol, and I already miss it. I was thinking it would be nice to have a lawn motor and snow blower, all in one, lol. Sorry to hear about your car crash and you having broken ribs, the good thing is that you hear and blogging about it now. You know I had two big ones, and in both I walked out untouched with both cars going for scrap. I was very lucky.
Going back to your post, I think and as you said the biggest factor in nurse profession and I say that not just nurse profession too, is listening. By listening you can make the educated decision, and you will make that person feel good too.
So you are the trouble maker when in hospital, oh well, I think nurses need attention to and for their hard work I think you and others are allowed to cause a little troubles, lol. About male nurses, if you biased, then I am too. I think that male nurses are much more caring and gentle toward patients. This may sound funny but I saw some good but vicious female nurses, that you just want to stay away, lol.
No problem, and you keep coming with these cool post ideas. Anna :)
Hi! Anna, I thank you for your visit and great comment. We are experiencing hot and humid weather plus plenty of rain. Because of this the grass grows so quick. It's becoming a royal pain in the butt.
I have had several motor vehicle accidents over the years but only one has been my fault. With that one I thought I was going to die because the car started to fill with smoke.
Luckily it was just the drivers airbag going off. It's funny, during all this I was more concerned about not being able to find my wallet.
You are right, being a good listener does help a person feel more at ease.
Back in my early days at St Vincents I was told I was more than a handful on a few occasions but I was soon pulled into line by the Nuns. Having said that, I thank you for your good review on male nurses.
I put these posts out close together because they go hand in hand. It's been a tremendous response and I have gained a lot out of it. I hope others have too.
Regards and take care!
Peter
Hello peter,
what a great response you had on this topic! well done! It is great to have an insight as to what the patients feels about our care...
anyway, just to answer some of your questions:
regarding election: nah..after almost 30years of being a citizen, l never get to vote for many reasons..so voting for me is more than winning lottery l would say..you can take yourself off the cancel register is you are able to pay a fine and explain the reason for being absent for voting..it is such an unfriendly system but heck it election is never an event as there is only 2 opposition in our country..so what can we say?? You will be surpise how singapore cull opposition voters..it is disgusting..
anyway, enjoy ur coming weekends..l will going back to reality next week..will keep you posted then!
Hi! Bone_collector, I am extremely thankful for the comments and flabbergasted by the response.
I read up on the voter regulations last night and came away very surprised. Going on your comment I think we are in a far better voter environment.
Your back to work soon - poor fellow. I go back to work late December with long service leave shortly afterwards - if they let me.
Thank you for the visit and the informative comment. You'll hear from me soon. All the best!
Regards
Peter
I've always had excellent care in the hospital. I can't complain about anything. The nursing staff was attentive and helpful and most of all skilled and confident.
When my parents have been hospitalized, they and their elderly friends see things differently. They require more care. I had an aunt that suffered from demensia and needed to be watched all the time. A nursing staff just can't do that. So a family member stayed..but it was impossible to cover all 24 hours.
There were some incidents that happened around that time that made my family very nervous and worried for my aunt.
Best Wishes,
Lisa
Hi! Lisa, my parents have been fairly lucky (touch wood). Their getting on in age but they are still active and seeking out the things that make them happy.
Dad has his gardening and there's always a plant to be potted or planted. It never stops!
Mum has her painting which is very unique and beautiful. She reminds me of Harry Potter's mother actually.
I am concerned that one day they may require long term hospital care. I just hope they get the best care and attention that they deserve.
I'm not different to anyone else, as we all want what's best for family and ourselves when it comes to that. We just hope they get it right!
I wish you and your family the very best and I thank you for your visit and comment.
Regards
Peter
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