[Megan Myles]

#88843

As a junior doctor it seemed as though all I could do to keep my head above water in a busy ward was to make a list of lings to do each day. If I could tick off all these items then I could relax and know I’d done a good day’s work. As I progressed through the system I naturally became more comfortable and therefore able to appreciate the patients more. When I first worked in a paediatric ward one of my first seniors made a comment about how much easier it was to work with small babies because you can just “do what you need to do and move on”. As though the process of allowing a patient to become familiar and comfortable with a practitioner and then gain consent for procedures was such an inconvenience. I could understand and agree with this at the time. Over time and years of working I then developed the joy of interacting with patients and their families in a way that I hoped that they would be satisfied with their care. Therefore it seems crazy to me now to think that I would allow anything other than complete dignity for a child in my care – but after reflection I know this was not always the case. Now I care deeply that a child is made to feel comfortable, loved and seen (especially as I have now had my own children). Children deserve to be seen and understood as we are cognisant of their ability and developmental stage at all times. They deserve to feel safe and comforted. They need to be clean and warm and fed. These are the basic principles that I want to remember for each child in my care to maintain their dignity. Dignity is not just on the outside but deeply felt. I cannot feel dignified unless those around me are cared for as well as possible.

[Susan Sander]

#88887

Hi Megan

I was touched by your passion and your words that dignity is also deeply felt. I couldn’t agree more. Children are extremely perceptive of our behaviour and the ways we engage with them, even long before they can communicate back verbally. I think one thing we need to keep in mind is that these children are still learning about life, what it means to be human and what it means to be seen and heard, despite having shorter lives. We (how we show up in caring for them) may be some of the biggest lessons that they would learn in their short lives!! What an honour and what a responsibility.

Thank you for sharing your heart on this.

Susan

[Robyn Tacon]

#89411

Megan you almost made me cry xxx

[Michelle Pfeiffer]

#89456

This is a beautifully worded and descriptive post of what we as medical practitioners go through. Thank you for sharing.

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