Putting the Human in Human Services

Healing is a journey that may begin with a diagnosis and ideally, end with a positive outcome. The twists and turns that accompany it could be dizzying. In the case of Ondreah Johnson, RN who I have written about in previous articles, the voyage began when she detected a lump in her breast on Christmas night, 2016. She is open to considering it “another gift.” As a home care nurse, she was accustomed to being the one offering the advice and instruction to her patients for most of her professional career that spans 37 years. Matter of fact medical care blended with compassion, has been her way. She is good at what she does. I would certainly trust her to take care of me and anyone else I know. Now she is on the other side of the stethoscope and blood pressure cuff. I am writing this as I am sitting in her living room, listening to the gusts of wind woosh through her open living room window on a rare late February, but feels like Spring day. The winds of change are certainly blowing through her life. We went to the hospital this afternoon for a check-in and a Neulasta injection that helps to boost her white blood cells during chemo; (second round yesterday) one of the first steps as she has boarded what she calls the ‘C-train,’ refraining from using the actual word. She is using modalities both mainstream medical and complimentary including dietary change. supplements, modalities such as Reiki and sound healing. At the moment, she is experiencing a dis...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Health-related Industrial and Workplace Personal Policy and Advocacy Professional Psychotherapy Stories Research Bedside Manner Compassion healthcare human services Social Services Source Type: blogs