Why is my nurse ignoring me in the grocery store?

Whether you get your treatment in Aberdeen, Centralia or Lacey the chances are pretty good you have run into a member of your care team while out and about. In fact, that’s one of the reasons so many people call southwest Washington home—big city amenities with small-town comforts. So imagine your shock when the same nurse who gave you a chemotherapy infusion just two days ago walks right past you in the cereal aisle. The nerve!

But before you get upset, consider this. People who have chosen the clinical field as a profession are held to a higher standard when it comes to protecting your privacy. They are extremely respectful of how their actions may affect you. By not initiating the conversation this gives you the opportunity to continue going about your day. Maybe you’re with someone who you don’t feel comfortable talking to about your diagnosis, maybe you’re in a rush, or maybe, just maybe, you don’t feel like talking.

We understand! And because your privacy is so important to us we will let you call all the shots. Of course, we would love to say hello. As our patients you hold a special place in all of hearts. It’s the reason we got into patient care in the first place.

So the next time you see someone in the community, say hello—unless of course you don’t feel like it. In which case, just keep on walking. We’ll see you at your next appointment with a warm smile either way.