Composer, John Cage said, “Wherever we are, what we hear is mostly noise. When we ignore it, it disturbs us. When we listen to it, we find it fascinating.” As a change agent in healthcare I find myself filtering the noise. Noise can be a cacophony of voices or motion without much meat. I’m annoyed with the din and peeved at the duplication of efforts. In my jazz combo I listen to the noise. We’re student amateurs after all. I hear us struggling with technique on our instruments, anxious to keep our place in the roadmap of the tune, vulnerable and overwhelmed with lack of confidence. Buried in the noise are some inspiring licks. Fascinating – what might listening to the noise in healthcare do for us?
Noise
It is interesting that you have written about noise. I have been wanting to spout off about noise in the hospital for several months. Noise has been making me crazy as I have been managing laboring women. During a time when I think the “din” should be lessened, I have to contend with hospital noises which often cannot be avoided. However, noisy nurses make me crazy! Laboring women should have a sense of calm, not chatter. Thank you for this opportunity to vent.
Thanks Joyce. What works?