Caregiver Tip # 10

Be assertive if necessary to get enough information to understand the doctors and nurses

Many of us are people pleasers.  Layer on that our intimidation with doctors and medical jargon.  A doctor can be talking to three people who are all nodding in agreement.  Answering “no” when asked if there are any questions.  Only to look at each other in confusion once the doctors leave.  “What did he say?”  “What did she mean?”

ASK.  Remember that especially in the medical environment that there are no dumb questions!

If a doctor or nurse is seemingly in a hurry, stop them if you need more information.  “Excuse me, but could you please clarify XYZ for me?  I didn’t quite get it.”  They do want you to understand.

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