Lecture Notes: LaShawn Springs' Experience as a Housekeeper in Healthcare

Introduction

• LaShawn Springs shares her daily routine as a housekeeper.
• She emphasizes the importance of introducing herself to patients and creating a welcoming environment.

Daily Routine and Interaction

• Initial Tasks:
  • Set up equipment and prepare to clean 32 rooms.
  • Knock on patient doors, introduce herself, and write her name on the chalkboard in the room.
• Tasks:
  • Take out trash, sanitize surfaces, clean bathrooms, restock supplies.
• Patient Interaction:
  • Engage patients in conversation to make them comfortable.
  • Often listens to patients share personal stories or life histories.

Building Relationships

• Creates strong bonds with patients, often becoming a friend.
• Provides support to patients who lack family nearby.
• Noted for bringing positivity and light to patients’ lives.

Memorable Experiences

• Encouragement: Helped a mother decide to undergo a procedure she was hesitant about for the sake of her child.
• Thoughtfulness: Gave a prayer cloth to a patient's family, who told her to keep it for herself.
• Cooking for Patients: Shared homemade food with patients, creating a sense of community and family.
• Assisting Families: Helped a family in need by organizing meal tickets and ensuring they had enough food.

Emotional Connections

• Moved a patient’s family to a larger room due to crowding; they were grateful for her initiative.
• Shared her own cultural background and interests with patients, building rapport.
• Sang songs like "Don't Worry About a Thing" with patients to lift spirits.

Challenges

• Experienced the sadness of losing patients she had grown close to.
• Developed resilience with the support of coworkers.
• Recognized the emotional toll of working in a unit where patients frequently deteriorate.

Beyond Cleaning

• Emphasizes that housekeepers do more than just clean.
  • They offer emotional support and companionship.
  • Sometimes assist with basic patient needs, showing care beyond their expected duties.

Personal Growth

• Inspired to pursue a career in healthcare after experiencing the hospital environment.
• Values the interactions and teamwork with nursing staff and other hospital personnel.

Conclusion

• LaShawn's role as a housekeeper goes beyond cleaning; she plays a crucial part in patients’ emotional and social well-being.
• Her personal connections and care have a significant impact on both patients and their families.