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Hello! My name is Charlotte Brown and I’m a housekeeper at St. Francis Hospital & Health Services in Maryville, Missouri. I’ve worked at St. Francis for almost nine years.
The tools of my trade have not changed a whole lot since the days when the Sisters did almost all the work at the hospital. I still use a mop, rags, and cleaners to do my job. But my skills are not the only thing I bring to work everyday. My heart goes into my job as well.
Because I was brought up to ‘treat others as you would want to be treated’, I treat our patients with respect and courtesy, and try in every way to meet the needs of each patient. I try to make patients feel comfortable and well cared for, even though I am there to clean their room.
Before I go into a room, I knock on the door. I smile and ask how they are doing. I ask if I can clean their room. Sometimes I need to come back at a different time. I take time with them so they feel that I really do care for their needs. I see patients feeling sick and I ask if I can get a cool washcloth to help them feel better. By talking with them, I help patients feel more at ease with me. I’ve had patients ask if I’ll do something for them such as watering their flowers. Of course, I’m more than willing and love to help in any way.
Part of why I do my job the way I do it is because I was a patient once myself. I know how it feels to be looking at four walls. It’s usually not a very happy time. If someone shows they really care for the patient, it makes the time in the hospital a little more bearable.
I also know that what makes one patient feel good may not work for the patient in the next room.
After a while on the job, you get a feel for what the patients want and need. One patient may need rest so you hurry in and out cleaning the room as quietly as possible. The next patient may want to talk so you take time and listen to what that person has to say, showing that you really care.
If the Sisters who first came to Maryville were to visit St. Francis today, I think they would see that the hospital is still being staffed by very caring people. They would see that patients are being shown respect and compassion, and that all of us, from the administrators to the doctors to the housekeepers, are following in their footsteps.
I want to thank you for your attention. If you ever come to Maryville and visit the hospital, I hope you’ll look me up and say hello.
If there is one thing I can leave with you it is to remember – it all boils down to RESPECT – to treat each person like he or she is a member of your own family.
Thank you, again, and have a good day!
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