Upset at work

My apologies for not updating lately.

Work is a killer now a days.

I would like to bring up and issue i faced at work last night.

On my shift, none of them could speak mandarin and because my ward is like a super racial ward we got friends from Philippines, China, India and even locals, well none of them could converse in chinese languages (hokkein, cantonese, mandarin)

So my friend asked me to assist an elderly lady who was supposed to have her puffs. According to her, the reason why she cant do it is due to language barrier which i totally understand. But i saw her family by her side. Why not ask the family to assist her?

So i approached with a nice smile on my face (my usual approach to strangers) and asked if the elderly had taken her puffs. Her family was kinda dark. Why i say dark... It's because when i asked that question, their faces turned black, as if i've offended them with a simple question of mine. They shot back saying no and no one had come to assist her.

So i smiled wider explaining that we encourage them doing it themselves. They got even darker and shot back at me. Saying at her age, she needs to be assisted. I was taken aback. The lady sitting there does not look bedbound nor does she look very helpless. She looked very alert but tired. So i asked if the family knows how to use. They said they do but since the lady was admitted, we as health care personnel should do it for her... (gasp!) i was shocked to hear that. Is this true?

Does it mean when your loved one gets admitted for some reason, you as the family totally give up on caring for your loved ones? i didnt know what to say, but smile and assist her... As i helped her with the first of the 2 puffs, her family members gave so many comments and directions as if i was super wrong. no doubt the lady could not hold her breath or seal her lips against the puff. Then one of the guys went on to say that time when she got admitted on another level, the staff did it better. (sorry but at this time, i was rather peeved) No offence to anyone people, you got to be there to know how i felt. And that was only the first of the 2 puffs.

Sigh...

i'm very much saddened by this incident. All along my contact with anyone on my side, they are all friendly and will assist their loved ones when they can, by means of even helping to change diapers. it's that wonderful. Not realising that some people like totally DEPEND on us to help their loved ones.

A philippino friend told me, back in her country, the family is so supportive, so helpful the family is there by the bedside and help the nurses when they can. I'm not asking the relatives to be there 24/7, but the slightest help would do wonders for everyone. You help, you learn what's more that is YOUR loved one there... Please do not treat us like maids... I care about my patients i really do but to DEMAND from us to that far, will bring my heart to the lowest depths...

Forgive me for being open...

Here's a picture to cheer me up...

I laughed so much when i saw this...

Check it out...