A National Conversation

Embracing the What If Moment in a Healthcare Environment

Today, there are people all across the country entering a healthcare facility; some revisiting due to a recurring issue and others for the very first time. However they arrive, rest assured, it was not mapped out on their calendar to become a patient. None of us ever want to speculate about the possibility of a negative interruption in our daily lives, but reality reminds us of such a possibility, unexpected interruptions, that I call,’ the what if moment’.

In healthcare, that is exactly what is taken place today, potential patients and families arriving with a great sense of urgency , experiencing a What if Moment. When those moments arrive, it will impact multiple areas of their lives. Not just physical discomfort, but in some cases mental, emotional, or financial. The expression of the impact is often displayed through Anger, Fear, or Quilt.

As healthcare providers we must not be reactive to the expression in the sense that we become judgmental, bias, and sometimes overly sensitive. Taking such a position can jeopardize the best of who we are. Instead, alone with great patient care, we must provide support, and Empathy. It is your greatest opportunity to be your best. Embrace the moment and WOW them with compassion.