Quality care.
These words rang in my ears while I crawled home in a sea of red lights with my windshield wipers rhythmically moving to and fro.
How do I define quality care?
Once I got home and removed our layers of coats, hats, mittens and icy shoes, settled baby A with a warm bottle and snuggles, I drummed up this little list that helped me sum up my definition of quality care:
*Time: So. Simple. Someone who gives me and my baby the time we deserve…
*Active Listener: Before doing an exam, baby A's pediatrician will turn to me and ask me what I think is going on. I do not have a medical degree, but I am a parent who knows her child. Which is more powerful? A professional who actively listens to symptoms, concerns and difficulties earns my respect.
*Teach Me: Do you ever feel like people are talking at you and not with you? A professional who uses everyday language to involve me, teach me, educate me… that has a quality ring to it!
*Referral: I like a professional who isn't afraid of referring you to the right place so that you receive the appropriate care needed. It's okay to not know everything or have every answer, as long as you are willing to direct me to the person who does!
*Experience: What you the text books don't teach you, experience does!
*Open Communication: I call, you call me back. I email, you answer. Within an appropriate time-frame. Enough said.
*For the Love of the Job: There are some people who do what they do simply because they love doing it. They read the most current research, they aren't afraid to try something unconventional (within reason) and they eat, breathe and walk their profession. That is love. That is passion. That can't be faked or learned. And truly, that brings me back.
Peace, love and snowflakes,
JP
