A few months ago I was in the SICU talking to one of my patients who was going to be transferred to her nursing home of residence directly from the unit.
This sweet little old lady had and above the knee amputation from bouts with diabetic neuropathy and non-healing wounds. She had no visitors and was ever so grateful for the company. After a few minutes of conversation I realized that she was a resident at the same facility my youngest sister worked as a medical assistant.
Although the little old lady didn’t know my sister Kate, I told her all about how proud I am of her accomplishments and how wonderful she is. The little old lady promised to be on the look out for her.
During that few moments of seemingly idle chit-chat, I became aware of how interesting life can be. I was sitting in the SICU where my sister Sarah was an RN, talking to my patient from the orthopaedic-trauma service where I am an NP, realizing she was going back to the facility where my sister Katie is a MA.
The three of us could have easily shared the same patient.
The advantages, AND disadvantages of small town healthcare.
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