Communications Lab: Medical Error
I sat waiting in the simulation lab at school today, dreading my communications lab that was simulating difficult conversations with clients. As I ran through all the possible scenarios in my head: euthanasia, malpractice, angry client... my mind focused in on my biggest fear for when I get into clinics--admitting to a client that I or my practice made a mistake. Although, I constantly read people's posts about their own personal experiences, explaining how it's a learning experience and it's not the end of the world, the thought of addressing an medical error issue to a client struck fear into me. The nerves rising and the 5 year old image of myself throwing a tantrum in my head about how much I did not want to do this, I calmly walked into the room and set my backpack on the floor ready to tackle my fear. And to all your surprise, ladies and gentlemen, I survived. And even more to your surprise (lace that last sentence with heavy sarcasm), my conclusions were the same as everyone else's. It was uncomfortable, the client asked some difficult questions and with only a few bumps in the road, I too can admit that mistakes happen, rectify the problem so the client and you are as satisfied with the outcome and learn from the experience so it won't happen again. Now, with this plan of attack. I can confidently say I survived my first 7th semester lab, with the tools to prepare me for clinicals and one of my biggest fears and doubts left behind me in the classroom. Today can be considered a success. Ps.. it was a success until I drove home happy as a clam, to then drop my glass jar I use for tea on the tile floor... let's just say the floor won that battle...
