There was a recent New York Times op-ed piece titled “Doctor, Shut Up and Listen.” Basically, it took you through a case about a woman who was having symptoms of a rapid heartbeat and feeling...
We all need to breathe
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Dec 30, 2014
Recently, I was at an event where the Pledge of Allegiance was said and started to really concentrate on the words. I asked myself: Are we really one nation, with liberty and justice for all? Why is it...
The psychology behind good customer service (and why it’s more important than you think)
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jun 12, 2014
We may talk about the term “customer service” and ask our staff members to avoid public arguments in front of residents and family members. But nevertheless, volatile situations happen every...
Frontline, Emeritus and the question of empathy
By
Tim Mullaney
Aug 20, 2013
It’s easier to have empathy for people if you know specific things about them. Long-term care providers know this, and it is behind many valuable programs to learn more about residents’ lives....
Say the right thing
By
Elizabeth Newman
Apr 12, 2013
When my mother was undergoing treatment for breast cancer around 15 years ago, a good friend of hers would call and start crying.
Eye contact or Angry Birds?
By
Gary Tetz
Jan 16, 2013
My wife’s a Realtor. And no, I’m not wondering if you or anyone you know would like to buy or sell a home in Walla Walla, WA. That would be a crass and brazen misuse of this forum. Though if...
Hardwiring compassion and empathy
By
Anthony Cirillo
Sep 17, 2012
Despite all the technology, fancy buildings, dining and activity experiences, healthcare boils down to one thing: human relationships. Most skilled healthcare workers go into the profession with the best...
Fixing the empathy gene, Part II
By
Mary Gustafson
Sep 13, 2012
If Bill Clinton added “M.D.” after his name, slung a stethoscope around his neck and started visiting the residents in your nursing facility, there’s a chance that your residents might...
Fixing the empathy gene
By
Mary Gustafson
Feb 09, 2012
If you are reading this, you likely work in long-term care and probably are skilled at empathizing with others. But you might have a coworker who doesn’t seem to “get it” yet.