Every little bit counts...

Random nursing experience flashback...

Part of the patient’s rehabilitation before going back home is to ensure they can ambulate well on their own before they are safe to be back in their own home. Many patients get frustrated at this, and LOVE to voice their frustration at our “evilness” of making them get out of bed and walk around the room/hallway.

Approximately 5 minutes of a “discussion” occurred to try to get this patient to get out of bed and go for her walk around her room... she had every excuse to try and get out of it...

“I’ll do it later”... “I’m too tired”... “The next nurse can take me”... (starting to realize I’m not taking a no for an answer) “What’s the point anyhow...”... “It’s no use”...

I’m starting to run out of encouraging things to say to motivate her, as everything I would come up with, she would have an answer for.

My last attempt: “Well, each time we get you up, it will get easier and easier, and we will get you stronger and stronger.... Every little bit counts”

“....Said the flea pissing in the ocean”

She won that round... I had to excuse myself from the room before I peed myself laughing. She’s a quick one!