The Difference Between Patience and Patient
Patience and patient are two words that sound very similar but have different meanings. Understanding the distinction between these words can help avoid confusion in your writing and speech.
What Does Patience Mean?
Patience refers to the ability to wait calmly in the face of frustration or adversity. It is the capacity to tolerate delays, trouble, or suffering without becoming annoyed or upset. Patience is typically seen as a virtue, as it demonstrates self-control and resilience.
When you describe someone as patient, you mean they are able to remain calm and steadfast, even when circumstances are difficult or not going their way. Patience indicates inner strength, serenity, and the willingness to persevere.
Here are some examples of using the word patience in a sentence:
- She showed great patience when dealing with the unruly crowd.
- His patience was finally rewarded when he landed his dream job.
- I had to remind myself to have patience during the long wait at the doctor's office.
What Does Patient Mean?
While patience refers to the ability to tolerate delays or adversity, patient is used to describe someone who is under medical care or treatment. A patient is a person who is sick and is being attended to by a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional.
Here are some examples of using the word patient in a sentence:
- The patient was admitted to the hospital with flu-like symptoms.
- The doctor met with three patients this morning before lunch.
- Nurses must show compassion when caring for their patients.
Patient can also be used as an adjective to describe something related to or characteristic of a patient. For example:
- The patient rooms were quiet and clean.
- She reviewed the patient's medical history before meeting with him.
- The doctor demonstrated great bedside manner while examining the patient.
Patience as a Virtue
Cultivating patience is considered a virtue in many cultures and religions. Patience is connected to concepts of wisdom, discipline, generosity, and peacefulness. Some of the benefits associated with patience include:
- Ability to cope with life's hardships and delays without complaint
- Capacity to forgive others
- Willingness to give people the benefit of the doubt
- Self-reflection and personal growth
- Focus, diligence and persistence
People with patience are able to step back from situations that might normally evoke frustration and anger. They can pause and consider how to best proceed. Developing patience helps impart calmness and equanimity.
Exercising Patience in Healthcare
In healthcare settings, patience is an essential virtue for both healthcare providers and patients. Doctors, nurses, and other medical staff must regularly practice patience with their patients.
Healthcare workers need patience when:
- Dealing with patients who may be anxious, confused, or in pain
- Answering the same questions from patients repeatedly
- Explaining diagnoses, procedures, treatments, and follow-up steps to patients
- Working long and intense shifts caring for many patients
For patients, practicing patience helps them to:
- Tolerate healthcare visits that involve waiting, forms, tests, and interacting with many providers
- Cope with illnesses or medical conditions that cannot be quickly cured
- Accept health situations that are beyond their control
- Remain calm and compliant during medical procedures
Cultivating patience can help lead to better health outcomes for both patients and their caregivers.
Tips for Practicing Patience
Patience is like a muscle - it can be strengthened with regular exercise. Here are some tips for practicing patience in everyday life:
- Take a deep breath when you start to feel impatient - this oxygenates your brain and helps you relax.
- Step back from situations that evoke irritation - create some physical and emotional space.
- Preempt impatience by managing expectations - set realistic timelines to avoid frustration.
- Look at the big picture - ask yourself if this will matter down the road.
- Focus on what you can control - let go of impatience over things you cannot change.
- Be mindful - stay rooted in the present moment rather than getting tangled in impatience.
- Think before reacting - pause before doing or saying something you might regret.
- Empathize with others - consider things from their perspective.
- Count to 10 - slow down your response time.
Practicing these patience exercises can help you become a more tolerant, compassionate, and peaceful person.
Conclusion
Patience and patient sound similar but have different meanings. Patience is the ability to wait calmly in the face of frustration. Patient refers to someone under medical care. Both patience and patient are important virtues in healthcare settings. By making patience a regular practice, you can become better equipped to handle life's difficulties and cultivate understanding for others. A little patience goes a long way.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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