Experiencing
bias, prejudice and inequity
Three and a half weeks ago I was in a car accident in
which I experienced a couple of severe injuries. The EMT asked if I would like to go to
VCU/MCV Health Systems to be treated. At first, I was
hesitant as this is a teaching hospital and one which takes patients without
health insurance. My local hospital was
so much more convenient but not acquainted with severe trauma. For the most part, I was treated with the
utmost respect and care. There were some
African Americans who did not want to have anything to do with me as a
Caucasian. Examples included taking 45
minutes to one hour to come after I had said that I needed to go to the
bathroom. I remember thinking how angry
they would be if I wet the bed. I did
try to wait patiently. One care partner
was willing to do anything for the African American patient across the hall but
ignored any requests that I made. This
made me feel marginalized. While in the
hospital I tried to be positive and encouraging to all staff. Attitude does make a difference in the care
that is received. My roommate called the
nurses’ station about every half hour. I
could tell that the nursing staff and care partners were tired of her constant
needs.
We were required to go to the café for breakfast and
lunch in order to socialize. There I met
several patients who had been in the hospital for months instead of weeks. They complained about the food and the service
in the hospital. I can understand their
displeasure, however, they were getting three square meals a day of their
choice, not having to cook the meal or clean up afterwards. In talking with some of the other patients, I
was able to offer resources that I knew about because of my work. Some of the patients did not want to do
physical therapy not realizing that the one hurt the most was them. I always said that I would try. I was not always successful at every task,
but the staff appreciated my willingness to try. I felt for some of the patients. I have had zero pain since my accident. That was not the case for many of the
patients. I spoke with one physical
therapist when she was disappointed in a patient’s progress. I reminded her
that the patient might have several other obstacles with which to deal which
might reflect the patient’s lack of progress.
When there are several obstacles in one’s way, the patient must choose
where to distribute their energy. What
they may deem important, others may not agree.
However it is important to respect people for the choices that they make
even if they are different from the choice we might make.
When I left the hospital, I had the opportunity to write “Kudos”
notes to staff that were particularly helpful.
I wrote eight notes! When I got
home, I wrote a letter to the administrator of the hospital telling him of
specific incidences that were especially meaningful for me. I hope that he will acknowledge them in some
way. By recognizing those who are doing
well, others may follow suit. As an
administrator myself, I like to recognize those doing the right thing as
opposed to pointing out wrongs. When a
staff member comes into my office that has made a poor choice, we talk about it
as an opportunity to learn instead of dwelling on the mistake. Being kind instead of hurtful makes each
opportunity a win-win situation.
