Intro to Learning to Speak Nurse
The year was 1985. With no prior healthcare experience, a background in ministry, and a previous placement in the preaching field, I moved my wife, two young daughters, and myself the one thousand plus mile trek from Florida to Illinois. I was excited for my new role; Bob Vincent, Administrator of PMCV, offered me a job as Chaplain and Social Services Director of Pleasant Meadows Christian Village in Chrisman. When Mr. Vincent offered me this job, I focused on the Christian philosophy surrounding the company. Unbeknownst to me, this one thousand plus mile trek would lead to a 30 plus year career in the long-term care industry.
My first day on the job, we sat in Bob’s office while Sharon Latoz, Director of Nursing, was giving report. Prepared, eager, and ready to impress, I skimmed over the list of items that Sharon had arranged to share with us. After each name there was abbreviations, none of which I recognized… save one. Down near the bottom of the list there it was as plain as day:
Smith, SOB
The wind had been taken out of my sails. Eyes fixated on the page, I couldn’t break away from these abbreviations. I moved my family from Florida to Illinois to work with what I thought was going to be an amazing Christian organization. I reassured my family, my friends, myself, even, that this was a place where my desire to help could be combined with a Christian spirit. I believed that, wholeheartedly. Yet, there it was- the DON wrote, “Mr. Smith, SOB”. Having no prior healthcare experience, this only meant one thing to me. As I waited for Sharon to share her thoughts about Mr. Smith, I grew more disillusioned about taking this role.
Finally the moment of truth, Sharon had made it down the list to Mr. Smith. I was preparing myself to hear the words that I had been dreading. How was I going to handle this? As the newest employee, it wouldn’t be the best impression to walk out? Should I just keep my eyes averted? Is this a joke? How bad was this Mr. Smith?! Then, suddenly… what, wait a second, she said: “Short of breath” when she talked about Mr. Smith! I could not believe what I was hearing. It certainly was not what I had expected! In that moment, all I could feel was relief, relief that the decision to move my family to Illinois was not in vain. Well, relief and just a smidge of humor… what an introduction to the language of nurses!
My Intro to Nurse Language went from shock to surprise. While that was my introduction to the language used by nurses, it was not my last lesson. Contrary to the “SOB” that was behind a valued patient’s name that day, one of the things that I have learned about the language spoken by nurses is that it is filled with compassion. Compassion and love for their patients, their clients, their residents, whatever term is used within the environment in which they work- a term that is preceded by a tone of endearment and dedication.
I work with and have worked with many amazing nurses in my career. I want each of them to enjoy Nurses Week and to know that they are appreciated.
I also want to thank the staff at PMCV for being patient with me and setting the standard of what excellent compassionate care looks and feels like.
Joe Seidel
Division Director
Bayada Home Health Care