PET PEEVE THURSDAY

Today's guest blogger is Leann Sweeney, author of the Yellow Rose Mystery series, and the upcoming Cats in Trouble Mysteries.

What's the deal with the front-line people in the doctor's office? Have you seen one of them smile lately? Have you had a pleasant and caring conversation on the telephone with any of them? If so, you are lucky. Having been an RN for 35 years, perhaps my expectations are high. After all, I chose a profession where I knew people needed my help, not to mention a smile and a little reassurance. That doesn't seem to be the standard these days.

My latest dealings that prompted this rant? My husband had urine the color of coffee last week. Since he has a history of kidney stones, I made the call to the doctor since DH doesn't usually ask the right questions. I gave his information to three different people. Why? You got me. The third one was the nurse who told me in no uncertain terms my husband "would not be seeing the doctor." He would be seeing a nurse for an x-ray, he was going to have wait (translate—bring something to do) and then maybe, if there was something wrong, they'd call and let us know. That call came at 5:30 PM. He has a 7mm stone in his right kidney and blood in his urine. "Want to schedule that CAT scan now?" they said. And has he seen a doctor yet? No, no and NO! If even one of those people I'd spoken with had shown the least bit of concern, maybe I wouldn't be writing this. But they were all detached and cold. That seems to be the way it goes. I could go on and on with more examples—but I'm sure you can think of plenty of your own.

Feel free to share them, or tell us what's bugging you today.
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Leann Sweeney's current book is Pushing Up Bluebonnets, the fifth book in the Yellow Rose Mystery series.  Her next book, which will be available in May, is titled The Cat, The Quilt, and the Corpse, the first in the Cats In Trouble Mysteries.  Leann also posts every Friday on the Writers Plot Blog.

Comments

[Mare Fairchild]

I grew up around nurses. My mother was a nurse, her best friend was a nurse, my best friend's mother was Director of Nursing at the local hospital, and my best friend went on to be a nurse. I don't think that your expectations are too high. It does seem as though they are doing you a favor, or you are taking up their time when you telephone. I understand understaffing and overwork, but if you don't like your profession, whatever it may be, than change it, make everyone happier.

[Pageturners]

You could always change your doctor - and tell the practice politely why you're doing so.

Or call their attention to this blog...

[RhondaL]

One thing I've noticed is that my doctors are great when I'm talking to them about me, but less so when I'm talking to them about my husband. I pick up a distinct "It's not your beeswax" vibe.

[KayM]

Love your books Leann! Totally agree with your post. Been encountering this lately at our doctor's office as well. Needed some assistance with forms for help with receiving my meds via programs from pharmaceutical companies. Doctor had no problem with it. Nurse complained long & loud about how "she hated doing these forms." Not just to me, but in reception area, in front of other patients and reception staff. I had no problem telling her that "it is too bad I'm poor and have to take her valuable time needing her assistance." Every eye looked and mouth hung open. She took the forms that I had done all the work on, only requiring her to fill in the doctor's DEA information and attach the script and fax them to the appropriate companies. Then she proceeded to tell me that she'd be mailing them rather than faxing them. Sigh. I'd change doctors but due to the financial assistance I do receive, I'm forced to go to the clinic I go to.

[Leann Sweeney]

Thanks Kay. I totally understand where you are coming from. Changing doctors, especially when you are living every day in crisis mode is much easier said than done. If folks only knew how much a smile and some reassurance could accomplish--for the giver as well as the receiver. Thanks for reading my books and I hope you find someone with a little compassion. I know it is frustrating.
Leann

[KayM]

Thanks Leann. This was the first time I'd ever encountered this lack of concern at the clinic. All the other nurses have been kind, caring, and very supportive. Evidently, my comments were overheard by an attending physician or one of the reception staff reported our conversation. Some of the meds are beginning to arrive but unfortunately for me, she has ordered the incorrect dosage, so I'm still up the creek with no paddle! I don't know if she just didn't look at my chart or was so annoyed she just didn't care. A battle for another day and if I'm fortunate, she'll be out and I can talk to a different nurse.