we enter
there is
one emaciated body, encased in ivory blankets
and
one clear-walled plastic bag
hanging from the edge of the bed, ominously filled with red liquid
i feel my stomach churn
we interrogate this small man
he tries to answer, twisting his lips into the shapes of words
but muscles disobey
and his eyes flash in frustration, fade back into glass
severe dysarthria status post multiple strokes, secondary to cocaine use
i was warned
the nurse enters
she
calmly empties the bag of bloody urine
brightens, says, there you are! awake finally!
his face cracks into a grin, lips spill, crooked white teeth emerge between
i see joy in his eyes for the first time
and i wonder about all the pieces of his life
that do not fit into my consultation note
that have conspired to land him in this hospital bed
with his crooked teeth and tiny frame and glazed eyes
and i wonder about all the parts of him
that i won’t get to know the way this nurse does
and i wonder why
his eyes never glisten like that when we walk in
5 thoughts on “Neuro Consult No. 2”
Gorgeous imagery. And important questions. Thank you for this poem
Wonderful writeup of the impact of listening.
Olivia,
Beautifully written description of your patient. The fact that you care about getting to know your patients as well as the nurses do — great observation, great start! Many patients will open up if they’re given a chance “to be listened to” first rather than treated.
As a family medicine nurse I love this! I am sure your future patients will be lucky to have you and to build those long-term, deeper relationships where they feel known and seen on their journey to healing.
Terrific poem. So proud that you are joining our profession. Now I know of two wonderful Drs Dhaliwal! You are absolutely on target.
Palliative care physicians are the most nurse like. All physicians who work closely with nurses serve their pts, their colleagues, and their own spirits best.