It occurrs to me that airline stewardesses and stewards are not that different from the staff who work in medical offices, dental offices and other service industries and that we would do well to share some of our professional ethics and 'people skills'. The most demanding aspect of working in a plane, it seems to me is that all of the people are packed in, uncomfortable, tired, cranky and bored. The stewardess must somehow convert that experience into one that the passengers will feel is at least slightly memorable and not completely negative. Think about how you interacted with the stewardess the last time you flew in a plane. She was engaging, polite, she leaned in to listen to your concerns and if she could not address the question directly she always offed to "get back to you". She was dressed professionally, she was constantly visible and seemed to be doing something while you sat and suffered with the crying 15 month old in the seat behind you. That the stewardess was not simply lounging in a chair up in first class but was seen to be at least appearing to be busy is important. After all if we are miserable we do not want to see anyone else who is not miserable.
Our patients will relate to the professional TLC that airline passengers get and this makes the healthcare experience easier and smoother for everyone. While there are some cranky airline stewardesses out there, they are not representative of the profession and flying with a courteous and professional attendant always makes the trip pleasant even if the 15 month old in the seat behind you never stops crying the whole flight....ever.
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