My roommate drove me to the hospital last night so that I could get stitches on my left hand. Though all of my housemates look out for each other pretty well as “stick together to survive” is our cardinal rule*, I’m totally gonna get him a bottle of whiskey for the effort, especially since it was late at night.
But being in a hospital reminded me of something particular — as I’m Filippino, a lot of my extended family work in the medical industry. Aside from having the chief exports of mechanical parts and electronics (myself included), garments, and food products, I think one should also consider the human resources generated by my motherland. If any of you work (or in some cases like Evie, volunteer) at a hospital or in the medical field, chances are you’ve worked with a Filippino. Because the country’s bilingual nature provides an easy transition to English speaking countries, nurses and doctors come from the Philippines all the time. Usually, to take care of Americans. Probably Canadians, too.
Walang anuman.
Ok, so I have lots of family in the medical field, that’s established. But as that’s the case, I think I’ve spent a lot of time in a hospital for someone who hasn’t had a lot of health issues. Some people hate hospitals because of the sterile coldness of it, but I’ve come to be pretty comfortable with it. Yes, you are usually there because you’ve got a problem, but people are people and all workplaces have a culture, and if you can get along with that culture, you are better served and treated.
Also, just as a general life rule, it’s important to try and make people smile. Why? Because life gets easier when the people around you are happy. And it’s really not that fucking hard to not be an asshole. Try it, it pays off.
In any case, a couple of funny instances, even as I needed my sliced-open hand to get repaired:
Doctor: (slightly distracted, reading a file) “When it heals up, anyone with scissors will probably be able to help you get [the stitches] out. Preferably a medical professional or someone with medical experience — a medical professional with scissors.”
Nico: “So which do I find first, the scissors or the medical professional?”
[laughter]
At patient check-out:
Front Desk: “I should note that sometimes when we’re trying to get people processed so that they get medical attention, some details that don’t affect the actual issue slip so that you can see a doctor, but they’re easily fixed and we’re fixing it right now.”
Nico: “Fix what?”
Front Desk: “We filed you as a female. We’re so sorry, but don’t worry, we’re fixing the record right now.”
Nico: “Hey, as long as the problem gets fixed, I don’t really care what gender I am.”
[laughter]
My point is, being hospitable in the hospital reminded me that if you know you’re dealing with the service industry in any capacity, it makes their respective jobs easier and they treat you better if you’re not a jerk. This is seems like it would be common sense, but it constantly surprises me how often people feel that they’re entitled when they’re a customer. Wielding money isn’t an excuse to be a shithead.
Besides, you never know if you can get a laugh out of them. And who doesn’t like to laugh? Ok fine, misanthropes, but nobody takes those people seriously.
___
*L4D reference.
Oh Nico sorry about the slicing of the hand. Although you might feel comfortable in hospitals they usually freak me out. I can’t help but think that people died here every time I walk in.
De-lurking! :)
I really like this part: “…[I]t’s important to try and make people smile. [...] And it’s really not that fucking hard to not be an asshole.”
So true, and so eloquently (if vulgarly) stated. (Is “vulgarly” a word? I’m too distracted to look it up.) Anyway, I’ve never had a huge problem with hospitals, but I must admit I hadn’t given much thought to the fact that it’s a place of work for a lot of people, and I agree: It’s important to foster a positive atmosphere when you’re in that line of work.
I’m surprised we haven’t played L4D2 together yet… unless you’re a console gamer… *narrows eyes*
You should’ve turned the gender joke into some kind of gender-reassignment thing!
i heard about your hand on twitter but i still don’t know what happened?
even though i’m filipino, NONE of my family works in the medical industry! it’s strange.
i think you’ve got the right attitude too. making people laugh puts everyone at ease. even yourself!
LOVE the scissors line
We could all stand to learn from you, Robonico.
I need to get into LA.
The last time I was in the ER was for a massive ear infection, and even amidst that searing pain I managed to stay pretty chill.
And now that I’m working in a skilled nursing facility for my student externship for school, I’ve really grown to enjoy the environment (a total surprise for me, honestly). And there’s a whole bunch of Filipino nurses on staff who are fabulous!
Mama always said you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. ;) Daddy says you catch the most flies with bullshit, but I’m more of a honey girl, myself.
I hope your paw is healing well.
How did you slice your hand?! I’m in the belief that you attract what you put out or give off energy-wise. Hope you’re feeling better!
If more people followed that philosophy (the “don’t be an asshole” one), the world would be a better place.
well im glad ur okay :)
Here’s what I don’t get: people who think that starting out by being an asshole will get them somewhere. I understand that if a company is jerking you around or something, at some point, you might need to be firm. (Um, is this comment full of TWSS?) But, don’t start off being a jerk. That doesn’t make me want to help you.
Sorry about your injury. Damage to the hand could be detrimental to a blogger!
Oftentimes we have to accept the fact that some people in this world are arrogant and selfish. Let’s just hope they don’t one day go to a hospital and be treated the same way.
I believe in Karma. :-)
I love this post. I say this all day long at work – humor make the day go by better and helps you build relationships so you CAN get your work done better.
But some people are just tight-asses. And rude. And there’s no helping them.
Hope your hand gets better!!
totally unrelated… but since I now know you are Filipino, what do you think about Manny Pacquiao?
He’s fighting this weekend. Are you watching? Do you like him? Do you think boxing is stupid?
I feel SO honored! Thank you!
And yes — the staff loves to laugh (it minimizes stress.)
Feel better.
xo/evie
Very well said. When I see signs like “You can be prosecuted if you act hostile to hospital staff” I just think wtf, they shouldn’t even need to say that.
People shouldn’t see it as someone who is serving them, but more as a normal person with that job.