Joining My Stroke Recovery Team As A Stroke Survivor.
- Skip Batchelder
- Mar 4, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 5, 2023
On admission to the hospital's Stroke Unit, I was reluctant to be tested for COVID. The nurses had to be disappointed because this meant they had to completely “ Gown Up “ each time they administered to me for any reason. I quickly recognized this was a major imposition. So I asked a very compassionate nurse about the COVID test and explained my fear of having my brain stabbed in the process. I asked her if she had administered such a test. And, was she confident she could do so with minimum discomfort to me? She smiled and said, “ I am very good at performing this test.” I had the test, the results were negative. As a result, the staff did not have to put on a “space suit” to refill my water carafe. But, most importantly, I was now a committed member of my CARE and STROKE RECOVERY TEAM.
My stroke happened at the height of COVID. As a Stroke Survivor, I quickly learned that I had a patient responsibility to help in my Stroke Recovery by allowing myself to be tested for COVID so my Care Team could help me without extra precautions.
The term TEAM began to have so much meaning in my life. I could actually feel the incredible power of a diverse group of individuals, each with a specific responsibility, working in concert with one another over obvious lines of responsibility. This teamwork was evident through each shift change and specialty visit. I marveled at the sharing of responsibility. Doctors, nurses, technicians, and specialists were eager to assist one another to make sure I was being cared for properly in my Stroke Treatment and Recovery. I have been around many corporate “teams” and observed the petty jealousies and backbiting that can plague such teams. This type of behavior was never in evidence by any member of the KAISER Roseville Stroke Unit.
For these reasons, I felt it was my obligation to take seriously, and quickly, my responsibility as a member of THE TEAM.
Comments