Noisy noctural unit

[Treasure]

Hey, all. I've moved to Austin and have gotten back onto nocturnal dialysis, after a brief traditional hemo stint while we were selling our house.  The nocturnal program here is just 6 hours, instead of the 8 I was used to in California. Actually, it's kinda nice to get out at 3:30am and getting in some sleep before wakey wakey.

One thing about this nocturnal program-- it is noisy as hell in the unit! There are about 12 or 13 patients. One is a really loud snorer, but I'm kinda on the opposite end from him. Most of the patients do not use headphones. At. All. At 2 am there are several tvs blaring, and I can still hear the noise with my noise-canceling headphones on. Ugh! Also, patients and staff still speak in their wakey wakey voices, instead of lowering their voices or whispering. I don't get it!

 I have spoken to the nurse, but she's pretty timid. I guess I should start saying something to the patients, which will not win me any friends. Maybe this is just how they do things in Texas...hmmmmm

[RichardMEL]

wow. unbelieveable.. but then again not really in this kind of society where it seems that manners and thoughtfullness have largely disappeared in favour of a more selfish "it's all about me" attitude by some people. Wow, If I was in that unit I would use my headphones, turn my screen away from anyone else if I could(so the light wouldn't bug them) and speak softly to be thoughtful of others trying to sleep or rest - heck I do all that in the day unit. Some people just don't care about others, and that's really sad.

Would it be possible to politely ask the "no headphone" people to consider headphones, or at least turn the TV's down? Maybe write a note to the FA asking that some kind of formal policy be determined?

Sorry you have to deal with that - it sounds very uncomfortable to have to deal with that on TOP of dialysis.

[kitkatz]

The guy with the cell phone down the wall from me, loud until 9 o'clock.  I am going to stuff the cell phone where the sun does not shine, soon! 

[Treasure]

i think i like kitkatz solution best. hehehe... j/k

if i had to go around and ask the people not using headphones to be considerate, i would have to speak to all the patients on the night shift. i will bring it up to the social worker next time i see her...i think that would be best. i haven't been here that long, and i'd rather not make enemies, just yet. hehehe

[Jean]

Two other options, One, make more noise than they do, or two, speak softly to everyone, and show a good example.    AS IF that would work. Do feel for you tho. Not as if you can get up and go sleep in the other room.

[RichardMEL]

 
take in a boom box and play classical music loud (like they do to disuade unsocial behaviour). When challenged say it helps me relax during dialysis. When challenged again exclaim that if the bozo down the end can watch the Home Shopping Channel at 80 decibels, you should be allowed yours. The alternative is quiet from everyone which you'd be more than happy to participate in.
 

[Stacy Without An E]

The TV problem really drove me completely insane at my clinic.  As Richard mentioned above, manners and common courtesy are dead in this country.  Its every douche for himself.  It got so bad that when I was cramping I couldn't get a staff member to come over because they couldn't hear me.  Here's what I would suggest: writing a letter to the clinic manager.

I wrote that not being able to get the staff's attention due to loud noise was a huge safety issue for all the patients on the floor.  I also suggested that all the TV speakers be disconnected so that everyone has to use headphones.

If you have a good clinic manager, this problem will be addressed.  If not, other measures must be taken

In addressing KitKatz problem above, you can get an awesome cell phone blocker for under $100.  They always seem to sit me next to patients who aren't adjusted to the latest cell phone technology, so they yell into their phones.  For three hours.  Non-stop.  I'd finally had enough.

Sometimes, I like to put my hand up in the air in their direction and then secretly click my blocker on.  Its like I have magical powers.

Do I always turn it on?  No.  Only when people are being loud and rude.

I wish you nothing but the best and I'm hopeful your Clinic Manager will be receptive to running a quiet clinic.