From day one the warmth of the people here was apparent. The Taiwanese people are so kind and generous. I feel like they will go out of their way to make sure we feel welcomed. I think this is a great part of their culture here that more people should adopt. They are wonderful hosts to their country. I feel like they are very kind hearted and genuine.
During our clinical at the hospital, the nurses and doctors will try their best to speak as much English during their shift so that we can understand what is going on. Just this one simple act says a lot to me. During clinicals back at home, students are given no special attention at all. We often feel we are in the way; a nuisance to have around. However, here at the Chi Mei Hospital in Taiwan, they make us feel like they are honored to have us learn from them. It is wonderful to share perspectives and paradigms on healthcare practices. I am most surprised at how the doctors are so kind to us students too. They are so willing to teach and to explain things to us when we have questions.
I have also noticed the patient-nurse/ healthcare provider interaction is much more friendly and at an even level than what I have been used to. The nurses will walk into a patient's room and take time to chat with the patient and provide any comforting care the patient is in need of. The nurses are very aware of the needs of the patient and are paying attention to the little queues given by the patient. It's much different than the hustle and bustle of the nurses I have worked with before. However, this 'more caring attitude' can be due to the unit we are working on- oncology and hospice. The nurses at Primary Children's Hospital in Utah were also very kind and caring and genuinely patient-centered. Whether due to the unit or just the culture, in general I would have to say the nurses and doctors here in Taiwan ARE much more genuine in their compassion and concern for their patients. I want to be as genuine in my care as the nurses here in Taiwan when I become a nurse someday.
Here in Taiwan the focus is mainly on the FAMILY. The family is the main unit. If a patient is diagnosed with an illness, the family is the first to know and then the family decides if they want the patient to know. This is a little different than in the U.S. We are much more focused on individual rights; The patient always has the right to know and the patient can choose to keep their healthcare info from their families. It is interesting how precedence-the individual or the family- is reversed between the United States and Taiwan.
Also the care here is much more holistic. Healthcare is directed by all aspects of the patient; emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical aspects are all taken into consideration. There are many alternative therapies that are practiced also, such as the use of essential oils and massage. They have prayer rooms, volunteers that come in and have activities and crafts with the patients. Patients are definitely treated holistically here. It is very humbling to see the love from the nurses and the gratitude from the patients. It definitely softens my heart to see such kindness (: It makes me excited to be a nurse.
The nurses here are also very very very welcoming. They have taken us to see the sites of Taiwan! It has been awesome hanging out with them this weekend! The home care nurses took us to Kaohsiung, where we went to monkey mountain , the beach, and a night market. Then the oncology nurses too us to a beautiful hike today. It has been a wonderful weekend. The nurses have treated us WELL! they treat us to meals and give us all types of food to try. The nurses are wonderful here. I am blown away at how nice they are to us!
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