“Pride … is sometimes virtuous and sometimes vicious, according to the character in which it is found, and the object to which it is directed.”
There are two very different facets to the phenomenon that is ‘Pride’
Sometimes it is foolish and ill conceived. Other times, it is full of merit and entirely appropriate.
I used to think this approach was contradictory in terms and entirely incongruous. Then I grew older and had a chance to see my (fierce and sometimes foolish) pride in action in different applications and it was then that I realized perforce that the double definition must be true.
To be sure, everyone may experience pride.
In fact, a noted poet once declared that “Every chicken is proud on his own dunghill.”
However, it is my experience that virtuous pride can be quantified based upon objective criteria, as opposed to subjective (and personal) considerations. This doesn’t necessarily dictate that foolish pride resides exclusively within the realm of ‘personal and subjective,’ except to say that the possibility exists.
In my lexicon one cannot apply pride as a set principle to something which doesn’t have a specific framework and accepted standard (and which is therefore subject to interpretation).
Ok, I’ll give you an example:
I am fiercely proud of Regency Nursing Centers.
I believe we are the best in the business. I believe we operate the best Postacute Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers in the State of New Jersey. I believe we have the most compassionate, dedicated and caring staff from our Founding President on down.
Is this pride resultant from personal (and therefore subjective) considerations?
I don’t think so.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), Gannett World News, USA Today and many other Independent Industry watchdogs certainly concur with my assessment.
The beauty of such pride is that it gives me a great deal of flexibility when touring with families.
Take this case in point:
Yesterday I met with a family in our admissions department. After we exchanged pleasantries and they expressed appreciation for Deficiency Free (who was swimming comfortably in his habitat), they got right down to business and asked me if I’d match the (lower) private pay rate of some third rate “nursing home” they were considering.
Enter my pride.
I asked if they would feel it a reasonable expectation to fly first class for the price of an economy ticket?
Of course they replied that this is inconceivable.
So I pointed out that the quantifiable discrepancy in this hypothetical case warrants the additional premium for a first class seat even though the person will reach the same destination regardless of where he or she sits.
If so (I said), how much more in the case of choosing between a world class nursing home vs. a “facility” for your loved one, where your choice may very well ensure your loved one ‘arrive’ at two very different destinations!
I let the thought linger for a moment, until I saw the ‘bulb go off.’
At the moment of epiphany, is when the sale is always consummated.
Indeed, Regency Nursing sells itself.
I am proud of my ability to feel pride for the place I call home away from home.
Give us a call if you wish to be proud of your Nursing Home of choice for your own loved one!
