This is an anniversary issue for me. I’ve been the editor of Pulse since October 2004.
It doesn’t seem like that long, but when I look back at past issues, I realize how much ground I’ve covered. I have interviewed nurses and therapists in burn units, cardiac units, rehab facilities, emergency rooms, classrooms, free clinics and law offices. I’ve traveled vicariously to Georgia (the country), Moloka’i, South America, Haiti, and most recently, to the Pine Tree Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
I could say I’ve seen it all, but that wouldn’t be true. I’m still learning.
Something happened last month that caused me to look at health care in a different light; I became a patient.
Instead of interviewing nurses and doctors, I found myself answering questions from an operating room bed. I met the whole team: the OR nurse, circulating nurse, nurse anesthetist, anesthesiologist and surgeon.
It was reassuring to hear them talking shop, like my operation was all in a day’s work. The last thing I remember was someone patting my arm and saying that they were going to take good care of me.
Now, one gall bladder lighter and recovering nicely, I have even more respect for the people who work in our health care system. I went from having severe pain to a doctor’s office to an ultrasound to a diagnosis to orthoscopic surgery to a weekend getaway — all within 10 days. In how many other countries could that happen?
I also experienced first-hand many of the innovations that I’ve written about over the years. Evidence-based practice, new research, patient-centered care, hand-washing safety, pain management, armband checks, patient education and genuine caring — they were all there.
Not only did the surgeon and my nurse fully explain my condition, the purpose of the gall bladder and the surgery, they broke the news about the pre-op, no-fat diet in terms I could understand.
“Basically, if it sounds good to you and it tastes good — you can’t have it,” said my doctor.
You gotta love a surgeon with a sense of humor.
I’m grateful for advances in orthoscopic surgery, ultrasound and electronic medical records, but even more grateful for professionals who know how to make people feel better — in every way.
Interviewing the three nurses in this month’s cover story only deepened my appreciation. Dawn Fletcher, Kathryn Hurst and Davina Drakeley-Lever are full-time nurses who care for patients in hospitals and then go home to take care for children who have chronic illnesses. Like many of their patients, those nurses understand the anxiety and heartbreak of scary diagnoses, the search for answers and the struggle for well-being.
Each of them told me it makes them better nurses and that their patients benefit from their experiences. But I doubt their patients know or even wonder about those nurses’ lives away from work.
Health care is, after all, patient- focused.
Knowing that, I’m proud to edit Pulse, where we strive to give a full, honest picture of those who work in health care.
Contact us
Do you have any story ideas for Pulse or Pulse Plus? Call 404-526-5664 or send email to jbrieske@ajc.com or lfraines@comcast.net.
