The editorial “Getting Used to It,” left a sour taste in my mouth. There is an attitude that permeates critical care that says “we” are experts and “we” may be excused for any lack of emotional intelligence or sensitivity to others because of our role in critical care. Having emotional intelligence does not allow us to put the onus for understanding on others, it helps us recognize that misunderstandings and misperceptions are truly the way others perceived what we have communicated, regardless of our intent.

A composed, caring professional is expected to communicate empathy for others. He or she does not model professionalism by denying another’s expertise, albeit expertise in another area or specialty. Nor does a composed, caring professional retreat to his or her camp of like-minded colleagues with the attitude that the family members or other clinicians we encounter are simply stressed and therefore cannot contribute to the...

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