The Hospital and Older Men

As most of you know (maybe even ALL of you know), I'm interning at a hospital this semester. So far, its been really enjoyable, and an EXCELLENT learning experience. When I began this internship, I wasn't really prepared for the old men.

I've had some great stories to tell about his old men. I've never received so many compliments in such a short period of time. They may shoot me a wink, tell me I'm pretty, or even ask me to dinner! ha! One of my favorite patients is a 76 year old man with swallowing problems. I started seeing him in acute care, then he moved to rehab, and then he discharged. Now he comes in 2 or 3 times a week as an outpatient. He's such a kind man, and very friendly.

One day he told me, "You are my angel!"
I said, "really?"
He replied, "Yes! When I saw your face come through that door, I could see your wings spread out behind you!"

HA! What a sweetheat! I really enjoy working with him!

THEN! Just yesterday, we saw a new patient, and he was also in his seventies. The other clinician was working with him, but this man kept his eye on me, and of course winked at me a few times.

The other clinician asked him, "Do you see Staci over there?"
He replied, "Yeah, she's pretty....for a girl."

What?!?! Pretty for a girl? Of course I couldn't help but laugh at this comment. I thought, "why would he say that?" But then it quickly came back to me..."Oh yeah, he's diagnosed with altered mental status and delirium!" HA! I tell ya, working at the hospital is pretty fun, because you NEVER know what you will see or hear!