As healthcare providers, we often forget to see and treat our patients for what they are, human beings. One the things that was troubling Vivian is that somewhere along the way, she stopped being a person and, instead, was reduced to a mere medical case. It’s very demeaning when you’re lying in a hospital bed, powerless, while people are poking at you, talking as if you weren’t there; objectifying you. One might argue that healthcare providers are busy people and have no time for niceties; however we must keep in mind that those we care for also have emotional needs. It makes a big difference when we ask our patients permission before we touch them, or just spend few minutes to ask them about their concerns; it makes them feel valued, conveys respect, and most importantly lets them know that what they feel matters; it empowers them. We have to care for our patients holistically. Objectifying our patients raises another barrier; it hinders good communication. As seen in the video, providers, while discussing her case, were using medical terms or they would just ask her how she’s feeling without really expecting an answer, or rather expecting her to be ok. When communicating with those we care for, it paramount that we create an environment where they can truly express themselves, and most importantly we have to listen. We often expect our patients to be strong and though, and by doing so we keep them from talking to us. The doctors in the video were expecting Vivian to be strong and pressed that on her, so when she was scared she couldn’t really talk to them, she was burdened by their expectations of her. One might not fully understand what patients, such as Vivian, are going through; however we can agree that this is a very traumatic situation. It important that our patients feel that they are not alone, that they have someone who can listen, someone who can sympathize, and someone who cares; an open line of communication is how we give them that. We shouldn’t expect them to be strong, or to smile, or to be okay; in fact, I believe, that the only expectation we should have of them is for them to be human.

As healthcare providers, we have a responsibility to be truthful to our patients, to present them with all the information they need to make informed decisions, and most importantly let them be the ones who decide how they want to be cared for. Our patient have a right to know what is expected from the treatment they are receiving, and if such treatment if failing we have to be truthful. Not being honest with patients is potentially harmful to them; it gives them false hope. In the Video, when Vivian was in pain, the nurse told her she was getting a PCA; however, when the doctor walked in he decided otherwise. In situations such as this one, the patient should be presented with options regarding her pain management and she alone should make a choice. As nurses, we have to advocate for our patients, and we must not give up. In situations such as this, it’s imperative that the nurse reminds the patient that he has options and that the decision to choose among them is solely his. Nurses are sometimes overlooked; in the movie, no one stopped the code until the doctor told them that Vivian was DNR. It is time that nurses get the acknowledgment that they deserve; we advocate for our patients, perhaps its time we start advocating for ourselves.