Patients expect 3 things from us: 1) Not to harm me, 2) To heal me, 3) To be nice to me, in that order. Unfortunately, people do get hurt and even die in an environment that is supposed to promote safety, and that is why a stronger emphasis has to be made, and is being made by hospitals across the United States, to reduce chances of harm and to ensure a safe, healthy environment. We all have to realize this: "It starts with me."
The worst thing that can happen is the perfect storm, or the Swiss Cheese phenomenon, where all the circles line up perfectly and all the checks and balances fail, resulting in harm to a patient. They emphasized how important it is that we all share the same values as hospital employees. We MUST value safety, we MUST deter harm, and we MUST do what is best for our patients. When everyone is diligent, if someone or something slips up, there should be someone else around to catch it, question it, clarify it, or whatever is needed to ensure a positive outcome.
We need to all believe in this if it is going to work. If everyone is on board, then when a nurse, for example, doesn't understand an order, she can ask the doctor, "Please clarify that" or "Let me repeat that back to you" without him or her getting angry because they feel their time is being wasted, or they think that if the nurse was diligent and smart, he or she wouldn't have had to repeat it back or ask for clarification. They understand that we need to do whatever it takes to make sure clear communication takes place so we can avoid an error.
This type of environment doesn't just happen. It is created. Everyone has to have the same value system in order to create a culture of safety. It takes a choice to decide that these values are good and worthwhile, and that you will live your life according to the principles that go along with a safe environment. You will change how you speak, how you choose to think and act, how you treat others, and how you respond to crises. Why? Well, for one, it's the right thing to do. Second, you might be a patient in a hospital one day. How do you want to be treated? Third, a loved one of yours may be in that same hospital. How do you want them to be treated? Do you want them to go in for something small, but then the wrong medication is given which takes their life?
Where I work there is an atmosphere of mutual respect, friendliness, quality, safety, and unity. It feels like one big happy family. Granted, it is a relatively small community hospital. But sharing the same values unifies us, and ensures things are done right, without hostility if someone makes a mistake. We learn from mistakes, and do everything we can to make things right and to minimize harm, because that is the goal of everyone working there.
Why am I going into so much detail about a culture of safety? Because that culture was created. What other cultures can be created? Oh, hostile cultures can be created by employees and even employers. Ever work with employees who talk about you behind your back, belittle you, interfere with your projects, or create an unsafe environment?
What about a culture of righteousness? Can a nation create a culture of righteousness? What does righteousness mean? It means doing what is right. Having strong values that say it matters what we do, that we do things right, that we act right, that we do right by others, that we hate evil and wrongdoing and perversion, and we love things that are right and good and uplifting. We strive to encourage eachother to do what is right, and if someone is doing wrong, we lovingly correct them and help them get back on track.
In a culture of safety, how do we correct someone who is doing wrong? First, we approach them with a gentle question. "Did you forget your isolation gown?" If that doesn't work, then make a statement. "Here's an isolation gown for you." If they still won't hear you, then you can go up the ranks, but it's all in the name of doing what is safe and what is right for those around you. We do not live on islands. What we do will always affect others eventually in some way. Ignoring or denying wrong does not help anyone.
Why do people get so upset when wrongs are pointed out? Pride. There's no room for pride in a culture of safety, because any of us can get sloppy, tired, exhausted, aggravated, impatient, or forgetful. Good outcomes are good for all. Let's as a nation, and even as a world, strive toward righteousness, just like a hospital strives for safety, and help each other along to create a climate of goodness, of love, of caring, of life, and of safety, not only physically, but spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. All these things are nourished when we do what is right, and it benefits everyone.
Just as a hospital has a policy manual, our ultimate manual is the Word of God when it comes to moral standards. Our laws can fail us, but the Word of God provides Truth and guidance on how to live, and is an eternal source. It should guide our laws. Why trust the Word of God? Because there is an authority behind it Who is higher and greater than us. Our loving Creator gave this to us to show us how to live. To Jews only? To Americans only? No - to all nations, all humans, no matter what your background.
Many people from various backgrounds are employed by any given hospital. Does that matter when it comes to safety? No. They are free to be who they are, but while working at the hospital, they will abide by the culture of safety because it is required for a hospital of excellence and safety, to uphold a great reputation within the community.
How do we as a nation want to be viewed by the world? As a mockery because we are foolish in our choices and laws and how we do things? As something that can't be trusted? Or as a beacon of light and hope that would cause others to WANT to come here, not just for economic purposes, but for a family environment where we care about both truth and love? A nation that has a high moral standard provides safety and laws that are righteous, but more importantly, fellow neighbors who believe in showing love, care, and concern for others, and strength of character to do what is right and uphold truth.
WE make this country what it is. WE form the culture. It is created by its citizens. It's time to join hands, and together we can make a difference for good in this world!
Proverbs15:9: The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
Proverbs 21:21: He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
1 Timothy 6:11: But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Proverbs 14:34: Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
| America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great. | |
| ATTRIBUTION: | Attributed to ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE by Dwight D. Eisenhower in his final campaign address in Boston, Massachusetts, November 3, 1952. Unverified. |
A Culture of Righteousness: It starts with me!
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