A few years ago, I was hospitalized for a surgical procedure which gave me a whole new perspective on this issue. While I had already been practicing some of the principles introduced here, I became very aware of the need to further address the lack of dignity and privacy. Wearing minimal clothing, lying in a bed with unfamiliar people moving around, and needles, needles, needles, combined to keep me on edge. That doesn’t even account for the hospital room door that hardly ever stayed shut. I realized that I never fully understood these issues as a visitor.
By observing a few simple things, you can be the best prepared hospital minister your flock has ever had.
- Knocking conveys respect.
- Knocking gives them a moment to prepare or cover themself.
- Knocking conveys professional courtesy to medical personnel who may be in the room.
HIPAA laws have caused doctors and nurses to be especially careful when treating a patient or discussing medical issues in front of others. If a medical professional is giving treatment, I usually step outside until he or she indicates that their interaction is complete, unless the patient requests that I stay.
- Make eye contact and smile.
- Avoid extended conversations with other people in the room.
- Avoid glances at their form or affected area, covered or uncovered.
- Avoid long looks at the medical equipment.
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Taking a seat can often put you out of easy line of sight.
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Relax. If you are tense, they will likely sense it.
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Remember that you are here to minister to them.
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There may be instruments or tubes hidden beneath the covers.
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The patient may experience pain because of bed movement. (Ooops, I’m sorry, doesn’t fix it.)
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If invited closer, step alongside the head of the bed to pray or converse softly.
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Your kind note will be read many times over. Make it heartfelt.
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If you do not have a card handy, ask for a piece of note paper at the nurse’s station.
By eliminating the social awkwardness already experienced by your patient, you have a greater opportunity to minister to them! When they cease to be so keenly self-conscious, you have done your job well! Set them at ease and then use your SLIPPR, as referred to in “How to Make a Meaningful Hospital Visit in 10 Minutes or Less.”