A LETTER TO HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Dear nurse, doctor or anyone in the healthcare profession,

This letter is for you!

I just spent time in an amazing Children's Hospital, with my 2 year old son, who got RSV unfortunately. I get all the RSV talk now. It's terrible! It also made me think of all the vaccine preventable diseases and how thankful I am that we have them. I'm convinced there's nothing worse then seeing your child sick or hurting. Especially severely sick or injured. Nothing worse. Anyway, the point of this letter is to share some of my thoughts with you as I observed and watched you, these healthcare professionals, care for my son during this time.

First, I want to tell you how amazing you are and thank you so much for doing your job and being good at it. Especially if you work in a children's hospital, I couldn't do it. I'm so glad there are people like you that can. You make a difference every single day. You are the true heroes of this world! Thank you a million times over!!

Second, here are a few of the thoughts I've had since our stay in the hospital. When you walk into the room, introduce yourself to both of us. We don't know who you are or your title. (Everyone was usually pretty good at this). Especially be sure to introduce yourself to the patient, whether they're a baby or 80. They need to know who you are and what you're going to do.

Third, before you do anything, tell them. Your patient is a PERSON first. Never forget that and always treat them as such.

"Hey buddy, I'm going to use this stethoscope to listen to your lungs. It isn't going to hurt. I'm just going to listen. Are you ready?" "Hey bud, I'm going to give you a shot. It's going to hurt and you're not going to like it. Tell me when you're ready. We can count to 3." Wait for a response that they're ready. An adult can obviously tell you or say yes. A baby or child might look at you and nod or verbalize that they're ready.

This is HUGE!

Kids especially need to know what you're going to do. The hospital can be so traumatic for them. They don't know if you're going to give them a shot, suction them out, just listen to their lungs or check their vitals. Let them know what you're going to do, what you're going to use and when you're going to do it.

Even if you don't think they can understand you because they're a baby or they have disabilities, talk to them anyway. Tell them everything anyway. You'll still be able to connect with them. I promise.

Again, thank you so much for all you do! I know you're job isn't easy.

Thank you for being a real hero!

Thanks for reading!

- Jenna

xoxo

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