Here is a message that Typist has started sending to her friends.
You're a friend!
Will you help? 😃
…
I want to formulate a solid list of questions to start asking my caregivers. My preference is that they are somewhat personal/relational in nature. More about connection beyond the transactions of cancer care.
For example… my oncologist and I share a love of ice cream. I’m going to ask him something about ice cream. One of my nurses was pregnant during some of my treatment. I’m going to ask her if she had concerns about being around the poisons… I mean drugs.
So far I’ve had suggestions of:
Favorite movie, band, book?
Podcast that makes you laugh?
If you can think of curiosity fueled, relational questions for an oncologist, nurse, surgeon… big machine tech, phlebotomist… etc…
Do you play games? It may be on a phone, computer, board, or with cards or even physical. I think it's a question about how they like to spend their free time instead of an instant connection like ice cream. Follow-up questions like, is it cooperative and/or competitive? How long does it take to play? Who do you like to play out it with?
Maybe not as straight forward as the above questions thought I think what manner someone spend their free time in insightful. Of course, if they are not a game player, what do you like to do for fun? Not everyone has the accessibility to do the thing they like to do for fun so adding "do you like" is about their desires instead of if they actually get to do it. HTH
I would ask caregivers to share something positive that they would say to someone struggling with their health. It would make them reflect and think. It might even refresh their mind so they see how much they really help people.
Asking caregivers what they do when they’re not providing care to patients is a good ask. You could also ask them how they recharge their batteries so they have the energy to be the best provider possible. In other words, what do they do to replenish their own cup so they have something to offer those they serve. I’ve heard Wayne Dyer talk about the idea of, you can’t give what you don’t have. If we are compassion depleted for example, it becomes difficult to “BE” compassionate.
Empathy is another example that goes beyond caregiving. We never know what someone else is going through... Typist knows how fond I am of Whitman’s 4 magic words. “Be curious, not judgmental.”
How do we remain curious?
It is my intention to do some asking and I will report back what I discover.
Mycelium’s structures were one of the first things I sketched. I love the ones you captured AND Beautiful Chorus... Amazing! Like angels singing!
Here is a message that Typist has started sending to her friends.
You're a friend!
Will you help? 😃
…
I want to formulate a solid list of questions to start asking my caregivers. My preference is that they are somewhat personal/relational in nature. More about connection beyond the transactions of cancer care.
For example… my oncologist and I share a love of ice cream. I’m going to ask him something about ice cream. One of my nurses was pregnant during some of my treatment. I’m going to ask her if she had concerns about being around the poisons… I mean drugs.
So far I’ve had suggestions of:
Favorite movie, band, book?
Podcast that makes you laugh?
If you can think of curiosity fueled, relational questions for an oncologist, nurse, surgeon… big machine tech, phlebotomist… etc…
Will you send them along? Expand my thinking?
What would you want to learn?
Much appreciated!
Do you play games? It may be on a phone, computer, board, or with cards or even physical. I think it's a question about how they like to spend their free time instead of an instant connection like ice cream. Follow-up questions like, is it cooperative and/or competitive? How long does it take to play? Who do you like to play out it with?
Maybe not as straight forward as the above questions thought I think what manner someone spend their free time in insightful. Of course, if they are not a game player, what do you like to do for fun? Not everyone has the accessibility to do the thing they like to do for fun so adding "do you like" is about their desires instead of if they actually get to do it. HTH
Seen, noted, transferred to an index card! Woot-woot!
Thank you DW!
Q: “What did a patient do that made you laugh?” (because oncology is so much about the tears)
Q: “Is there anything a patient has ever done that made you think, ‘If I ever get cancer, I am SO going to do that!’?”
These are fantastic! Especially #2.
Thanks Jack!
I would ask caregivers to share something positive that they would say to someone struggling with their health. It would make them reflect and think. It might even refresh their mind so they see how much they really help people.
ooooh! I love how you see an added benefit to the question. ➕
Thank you Pennie!
You're welcome 😁
Asking caregivers what they do when they’re not providing care to patients is a good ask. You could also ask them how they recharge their batteries so they have the energy to be the best provider possible. In other words, what do they do to replenish their own cup so they have something to offer those they serve. I’ve heard Wayne Dyer talk about the idea of, you can’t give what you don’t have. If we are compassion depleted for example, it becomes difficult to “BE” compassionate.
Empathy is another example that goes beyond caregiving. We never know what someone else is going through... Typist knows how fond I am of Whitman’s 4 magic words. “Be curious, not judgmental.”
How do we remain curious?
It is my intention to do some asking and I will report back what I discover.
Mycelium’s structures were one of the first things I sketched. I love the ones you captured AND Beautiful Chorus... Amazing! Like angels singing!
Thanks Bobby! How does this sound?
Do you have a favorite question you ask to connect with patients beyond their physical state of being?
Look forward to more questions if you come up with any!
Coaster: “Yes, I know the voices aren't real, but man do they have some great ideas!” 😁
(not intended to imply anything, just thought it was a cute coaster)
Like the mushroom drawings; LOVE the mushroom quote! 💚
hahahahaha! Indeed... the voices fountain with great ideas.
When I read the mushroom/umbrella quote, it fit like a perfect pair of well-worn jeans.