Recently I had an opportunity to participate in a book discussion group on The Best Care Possible, by Dr. Ira Bycok. Dr. Byock has had several years of experience in Hospice and Palliative care and brings his sense of humility and compassion throughout the book. He weaves stories of patients he has treated, with humor and sometimes causing me to respond with tears but most importantly, he causes the reader to examine their own lives and the lives of their families. As I looked back on my history of being a nurse, I wished I could have read Dr. Bycock's book 25 years ago, I think it would have not only made me a better nurse but have given me insight and greater compassion towards people in general. Early in the book, Dr. Byock shares a story of a man recently diagnosed with a serious illness. As he met with the patient and his wife, he said, "To state an obvious fact, I learned a long time ago that when one person gets a diagnosis, their family gets an illness". I have reflected on those words as I have looked back on my experiences with those dealing with serious illness, it does affect the entire family and I am challenged to look at how we show love and care to each individual. As a person of faith, this is where I see the Body of Christ extend His hands and feet. Whether making a meal, caring for a child, driving to a doctor's appointment, or sitting quietly in a hospital waiting room, we must reach out and show Christ's love. We are called to be a living example of Him and this is an arena where we can reach out and everyone wins. Dr. Byock will be speaking at the Henderson, KY, fine arts center on October 30, 2012. I'll be there, to thank him for reminding me that although I often look at things through a health care model, I must challenge myself to look beyond the illness and look at the life!
Thursday, October 4, 2012
The Best Care Possible
Recently I had an opportunity to participate in a book discussion group on The Best Care Possible, by Dr. Ira Bycok. Dr. Byock has had several years of experience in Hospice and Palliative care and brings his sense of humility and compassion throughout the book. He weaves stories of patients he has treated, with humor and sometimes causing me to respond with tears but most importantly, he causes the reader to examine their own lives and the lives of their families. As I looked back on my history of being a nurse, I wished I could have read Dr. Bycock's book 25 years ago, I think it would have not only made me a better nurse but have given me insight and greater compassion towards people in general. Early in the book, Dr. Byock shares a story of a man recently diagnosed with a serious illness. As he met with the patient and his wife, he said, "To state an obvious fact, I learned a long time ago that when one person gets a diagnosis, their family gets an illness". I have reflected on those words as I have looked back on my experiences with those dealing with serious illness, it does affect the entire family and I am challenged to look at how we show love and care to each individual. As a person of faith, this is where I see the Body of Christ extend His hands and feet. Whether making a meal, caring for a child, driving to a doctor's appointment, or sitting quietly in a hospital waiting room, we must reach out and show Christ's love. We are called to be a living example of Him and this is an arena where we can reach out and everyone wins. Dr. Byock will be speaking at the Henderson, KY, fine arts center on October 30, 2012. I'll be there, to thank him for reminding me that although I often look at things through a health care model, I must challenge myself to look beyond the illness and look at the life!
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