"I feel like such a baby!"

Yes she was agitated, sweating profusely, and complaining of agonizing stomach, chest and back pain.  She was so uncomfortable she could barely sit still.  She was uncharacteristically complaining.  She said, "I feel like such a baby!"

Yet she wasn't being a baby at all.  In some cases I'd say, "Yes!  You are being a baby."  But in her case, she was being a hero to herself.  She was biting the bullet and seeking help. Even if she gets a clean bill of health, at least she'll know she's okay and the pain is just superficial.

Yet what if she stayed home and was having the big one?  What if she was having an aneurysm?  What if?  She couldn't take the chance.  In fact, chances are she already waited too long. She waited too long because she was a mom of five, a wife, and a tough woman. 

There are too many people in the world too modest to seek help when they should.  It's better to come in and be told you're fine than to stay home and risk dying.


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How to introduce yourself to a patient?

Your humble question:  What is the best way to introduce yourself to a patient and to identify the patient without breaking confidentiality rules?

My humble answer:  There really is no rule how to introduce yourself.  However, due to confidentiality laws (like HIPPA) I find it's best never to say the name of the patient.  My technique is to get the patient to say his or her name so I don't have to.  I usually do the following:

1. I pick up the written (printed) order and take it with me to the room
2. I always introduce myself as I enter the room:  "Hi, I'm Rick from respiratory therapy."
3. Then I say something like, "Will you please say your last name?" 
4. I confirm the last name with the order and I say the first name of the patient.  Or, if I'm in a humorous mood, I'll say something like, "Yeah, you're right?"  Or I say something like, "Yep, you're the right patient."  You can get creative once you know you have the right patient.
5. Or... if the patient is unable to communicate you can always check the wrist band, or follow the above procedure with the family member or guardian.

Obviously there's more than one best way to introduce yourself to the patient.  As with anything, every person has his own best practice.

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