Right or wrong, fair or unfair, justified or not, some days are just better than others (thankfully for me its most days). But in a recent session at the Clinic, I experienced a “bad day.”
My nurse was someone who I have worked with before so I could tell that they were a little bit off. Nothing life-threatening in any way (there are myriad checks and balances in the multi-layered process that prevent any catastrophic or even minor mishap), but just a general vibe that they were frazzled and needed a mulligan. I think of myself as a player on the treatment team, so when I noticed what I imagined was a pharmaceutical fumble, I tactfully inquired about the deviation (I’m aware enough of the general monthly doctor’s orders and directions, so I would know if there was a prescribed change). It was an oversight, easily adjusted - truly no harm, no foul (are you keeping up with all of the sports jargon?). They were mortified with embarrassment and remorse, which was unnecessary but true to their otherwise consistent extremely professional and compassionate nature. They were just having a bad day. During further chit-chat, I gleaned that they: got a late start to their commute, encountered unexpected construction traffic (odd for a Saturday morning), and hadn't yet had their stabilizing morning cup of Joe to help them go. The session settled in, the day went fine, and all was concluded as planned - safely and correctly.
Aided by the perspective of time and the recollection of past personal experience, it was clear and easy to understand that they merely took their justifiable turn to have a bad day. And sometimes it’s my turn to have a bad day - so I could relate to their emotion. I’m hoping my paying it forward buys me some patience and understanding next time when it IS my turn.
