Thread by @ErikMKort

As I've mentioned before, part of my job in my surgery check-in capacity is to maintain a calm environment for my patients. Well, it's a self-appointed part of my job. My manager seemed surprised when I casually mentioned that I do this.

I tend to ban politics, religion, and sports. You know, topics people get worked up about.

I'm not feeling 100% today. I've worked 23 hours in the last 48 hours, I'm dizzy, tired, and grumpy.

And there were about four people talking about Trump in the waiting room.

I wanted to ignore it, because stepping in is a hassle. No one is nice to me when I do it.

Something about the situation felt off, though, even though everyone was agreeing and seemed to get along.

So, I followed my instincts, got up, and stepped in.

And got yelled.

One gent tried to poll the room to see if anyone was "upset", which I shut down.

Another gal just said she was so happy that people were talking to each other and not on their phones, which I redirected.

A couple went outside later and I heard the guy grumbling about me.

I felt kinda stupid, to be honest. I sat in my office and was like, "that really sucked. Was it worth it, really? I should just stop."

Later, a nurse came into my office and told me that her patient raved about me and was so thankful for what I did.

The patient hadn't been saying anything because she was scared about her surgery, and didn't feel comfortable. But the conversation was making her anxiety a lot worse, and she didn't feel safe.

And I realize, that's what felt off. I just couldn't pin point it at the time.

Many times, our instincts are all we have. We have to hone, train, and test them all the time, but we also have to listen to them.

Because sometimes, we pick up on the small things - not the raised voices, but the lack of them.

It's how we can keep ourselves, and others, safe.