Our Words Are Our O.R., Part II of III

Our Words Are Our O.R., Part II of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.

Part II:

I was determined not to rise to what I saw as potential baiting – several nurses spoke about it, too. Many professionals (within multiple facilities) said, “I’ve never seen, heard, or read anything in our medical training books with case studies like the manner people speak to you. And you sit and listen to all of them. You do not interrupt. You do not argue. You listen.”

Each time I bowed my head and stared at my shoes focusing on what is best for the patient – not me. I thought it would work to help us ease through this chapter.

Yes?

Nope.

The next time and each time after that moment the good doc, surgeon, would enter the room, “Now a good time?” with flat-lined look. Each time I let it go.

One morning Dad shared, “My daughter processes words. She is always processing words when you speak.”

The doctor sighed and looked out the window.

I did not blink (or sigh) as Dad looked to me and shrugged his shoulders.

The second time a significant event occurred was when Dad was in stat emergency; individuals were drawing his blood and urine.

The director of nursing was speaking – vaguely – (I had Power of Attorney) about “what might be happening.”

I listened.

Suddenly she snapped, “I don’t like the look on your face.”

My father and all individuals in the room looked startled.

I said, “Excuse me?”

She repeated her words, hands on her hips.

Slowly, I said, “Ma’am, I’m listening to you.”

She, “Well, I just don’t like that look, okay?”

More slowly (Dad was being placed on the gurney and now was not the time to focus on what she thought was happening), I said,

“Ma’am I am focusing on what you’re saying.”

Dad, the man with a master of education degree, said, “She’s a court reporter. I’ve told you. She has a college degree in listening.”

The woman puckered her lips.

Dad, “She is translating what you are saying. Always has. She always will.”

Me, “These are new words to me regarding my father.”

Dad, “She has at least three languages in her head translating what you are saying.”

I looked to Dad and said, “With punctuation. And I am listening.”

Dad, wincing in pain, weakly smiled, and said, “And I paid good money for her to possess these skills.”

The levity that I believe Dad, also a social worker with psych background, was seeking at that moment was not acknowledged by this snarky D.O.N.

(Others did look to Dad and to me with a small smile before each bowed their head, each returning back to work on the ER stat run.)

Yes, in hindsight I could have taken a different response with the woman.

That day, I was able to listen to multiple conversations between the people now working at a feverish pace due to an emergency.

Again, this is what we do each day in our work. We listen.

The ambulance medics had Dad belted. Four people held bags, wires, IV poles, and additional medical equipment. They stood waiting for me to follow them.

I chose not to argue at that moment because I knew Dad and I could wind up back in the same room that afternoon and did not want to alienate that woman.

Part I of III is posted May 2, 2014, Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com

Part II of III is posted May 14, 2014, Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com

Part III of III is posted May 29, 2014, Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com

Monette, the Court Reporting Whisperer, may be reached: Monette@ARTCS.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com

Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal

Tutor, Motivational Management & Career Coach,
Multiple-Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting and CART Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist

Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com

* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching

Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RDR, or a state court reporting exam?

“Get ‘eR Done in Just One” – as evidenced by the many students and professionals who study Court Reporter Reference Books to pass their RPR, CSR, and RDR exams on the first test. Testimonials are online — from students, instructors, program directors, CART Captioners, novice and senior court reporters, www.CRRbooks.com.

** Pedagogically sound, covering a wealth of material with facts, tips, and comprehensive information, the Purple Books from CRRbooks.com are time-tested and proven in the classroom with educators and with independent study.

The “Complete NCRA RPR, RDR, and CSR Test Prep Textbook, 6th Edition” has greatly expanded testing tips, testing focus, NCRA COPE Ethics, grammar sections, plus — legal, Latin, court, English, grammar, vocabulary, medical, technology and computer chapters. www.CRRbooks.com

The Workbook contains **2,002 practice test questions; the Companion Study Guide cross-references every word in the workbook’s 2,002 multiple-choice text practice questions.

The “Full Test Prep Set” and “Trio Test Prep” – each listed on www.CRRbooks.com

Monette will help you to pass your test and to exceed schooling and career goals. http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=61

Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and career coaching? Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.

Tutoring and career coaching topics include:
• Motivational skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Development of skills to author your book, your blog, and how to publish,
• Communication skills, daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.

Who comes to Monette for tutoring and career coaching?
• Professionals who want to achieve their goals, create new possibilities, advance their career, author their book, and to develop the dream within,
• Veteran and novice court reporters, CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) providers, and broadcast captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re “stuck” and falling behind, or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students and veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exams and for their career goals,
• Veteran court reporters, CART Captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …

Check out: Reach Your Goals with Tutoring and Career Coaching
http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29

Monette Benoit, the Court Reporting Whisperer, can help you achieve at much high levels.

Where do you want to go? ** What have you ‘really’ wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life?

* No two are alike. Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!

About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+ year court reporter, CART Captioner, author of NCRA test prep material, and an instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.

Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART Captioners, students, and instructors.

She has also helped to create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.

Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.

Monette’s Musings is a blog containing information for busy professionals, students, and individuals who are fearless and seek to create their success each day. Reach up. Bring it. * Bring it today!

Leave a Reply