Punching Bags

Patients can be so cruel at times, lashing out at the very same people who provide them life saving care in their hours (and days) of need. They throw out insults and racial slurs like daggers to our hearts, saying such pointedly mean and ignorant things that it's tough to simply shrug the words off. They rant anti-gay or chauvinistic sentiment with such vehemence that it's all one can do to shut out the epitaphs. As healthcare professionals, we are taught that, most often, they don't mean what they say. They are not themselves, especially when some type of brain injury is involved. We know we're not supposed to take it personally. But, sometimes, the yelling and the ranting is so cruelly directed at us and is so personally offensive that it's difficult not to. We have to wonder if there isn't a kernel of personal truth to their hateful comments. We want to think the best of everyone, but it's not always so easy. We try to build thick skins, but sometimes the insults are too much. All too often, I've seen the sting in a coworker' eyes. And I know it's been apparent in mine from time to time, too. In what other industry would this ever be remotely acceptable? Why are we expected to be the punching bags? And worse, we're supposed to take the abuse with a smile? It's a serious flaw in the healthcare industry; one that I have no clue how to begin solving. All I know is that you should give your favorite nurse, or other healthcare worker a big hug today, as you never know what they went through at work.