Kindness Can Save Lives

During a particularly busy and challenging night shift, Juthani and a nurse had to manage a patient who had developed a pulmonary embolism—a blood clot that had traveled to the lungs, presenting a serious medical emergency. Despite the high-pressure situation and the fact that it was one of Juthani’s first cases as a first year resident, the groundwork of kindness and effective communication they had established earlier in the night played a crucial role in managing the situation effectively.

“The scan results came back in the middle of the night when not many people were awake, and we didn't have all the resources to figure out the best course of action immediately,” recalled Juthani. “Usually, when patients are transferred to the ICU, it's very chaotic—like, 'Oh my God, this patient is going to die, what have we done so far?” 

Juthani had introduced himself to the nurse at the beginning of the night, fostering a therapeutic relationship built on mutual respect and open communication. When the critical situation arose, they were able to share their concerns and develop a contingency plan together.  “Knowing each other by name and having open lines of communication transformed a potentially chaotic situation into a manageable one," says Juthani.

This collaborative approach, grounded in kindness and understanding of each other's roles and concerns, not only mitigated their nervousness but also ensured that they were prepared for various outcomes. This further exemplifies how fostering a culture of kindness and effective communication among healthcare workers can lead to better patient care, quicker mobilization of resources in urgent situations, and a more supportive work environment.