Herb Raasch
December 2016
Herb
Raasch
,
RN
2NT-Trauma, Acute Care, and Oral Surgery
Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin-Froedtert Hospital
Milwaukee
,
WI
United States
I was in a serious car accident. I was admitted to Froedtert with a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a broken and torn up nose, cuts and lacerations in my mouth and on my face, a pneumothorax, fractured sternum, broken ankle that required surgery, and various other bumps and bruises.
Herb was my nurse for many consecutive days and nights during my hospital stay, and the continuity of care he provided was wonderful and so beneficial. Herb had such a positive impact on me and my family, and we were so touched by his empathetic and compassionate care, as well as his clinical skill.
Herb was always on point and by-the-book with all procedures and he always explained what he was doing without being patronizing or condescending. He could make you do what you needed to do with a good attitude because of his upbeat and winsome attitude. I feel like he could work with someone, no matter their motivational level, and he would meet them where they were at.
Herb has great instincts and insight into people. He could read me and my emotions without me saying anything. For example, my mom said that the night before my surgery, he looked at me and said, "OK, what's wrong? I can see the wheels in your head spinning". After I told him I was apprehensive about the surgery, he said, "I guess it's time to tell you my story". He proceeded to explain that he had been severely injured in a motorcycle accident several years ago, and that the surgeon who put him back together was, in fact, the same one who would be operating on me. He said, "I'm speaking as a former patient right now and not as a nurse…you are in good hands". My mom remembers seeing the look of anxiety on my face slowly begin to fade. He definitely helped me feel better about what was ahead.
The morning of the surgery, Herb heard us talking about praying before they took me down and he asked if we'd like him to pray with us. We did, and he led us in a heartfelt and very comforting prayer which was much appreciated.
After surgery, Herb was on again that night and was instrumental in my pain management. He advocated for an increased dose of one of the meds when he realized the extent of the pain I was in. He also was so considerate when coming in for regular checks at night. He was like a ninja while doing what needed to be done and hardly disturbed my rest or my mom's, who slept in the recliner next to me.
The day after surgery, Herb took the initiative to get me up out of bed and walking like PT and OT did. He even took me out in the garden for some fresh air. While most of the nurses did a fine job, my mom said he was the only nurse that took it upon himself to make sure I wasn't just lying in bed, and she really appreciated that.
Herb could get me to do stuff I didn't feel like doing, but needed to do, like eat. I didn't have much of an appetite and one of the last days I was there, he said, "What's your favorite food…what do you have a taste for?" I said, "pizza". A little while later, in walked Herb with this wonderful French bread pizza from the Patio Café. It was so good, I actually felt like eating! It was such a kind gesture!
One of the meds I was getting was via a shot. When he was giving me one of the shots, Herb took the time to demonstrate how to give myself a shot in case they sent me home with that specific medication.
Because I had brain surgery and was on oxycodone much of my time in the hospital, my mom has assisted me in writing this because, frankly, I don't remember much, but I remember Herb. We feel he should receive commendation for being a nurse who stood out and went above and beyond what was expected.
***
Speaking as a mom, Herb is an exceptional nurse and I am so thankful for his care of my daughter. There were so many different disciplines involved in her care, and it was a little hectic and confusing at times. Herb took the time to address any concerns we as a family had and quickly got answers to our questions. He was always professional, but was also able to make a connection with our daughter that enabled him to get her to do what she needed to do. He was one of the few people who could make her smile!
Herb was my nurse for many consecutive days and nights during my hospital stay, and the continuity of care he provided was wonderful and so beneficial. Herb had such a positive impact on me and my family, and we were so touched by his empathetic and compassionate care, as well as his clinical skill.
Herb was always on point and by-the-book with all procedures and he always explained what he was doing without being patronizing or condescending. He could make you do what you needed to do with a good attitude because of his upbeat and winsome attitude. I feel like he could work with someone, no matter their motivational level, and he would meet them where they were at.
Herb has great instincts and insight into people. He could read me and my emotions without me saying anything. For example, my mom said that the night before my surgery, he looked at me and said, "OK, what's wrong? I can see the wheels in your head spinning". After I told him I was apprehensive about the surgery, he said, "I guess it's time to tell you my story". He proceeded to explain that he had been severely injured in a motorcycle accident several years ago, and that the surgeon who put him back together was, in fact, the same one who would be operating on me. He said, "I'm speaking as a former patient right now and not as a nurse…you are in good hands". My mom remembers seeing the look of anxiety on my face slowly begin to fade. He definitely helped me feel better about what was ahead.
The morning of the surgery, Herb heard us talking about praying before they took me down and he asked if we'd like him to pray with us. We did, and he led us in a heartfelt and very comforting prayer which was much appreciated.
After surgery, Herb was on again that night and was instrumental in my pain management. He advocated for an increased dose of one of the meds when he realized the extent of the pain I was in. He also was so considerate when coming in for regular checks at night. He was like a ninja while doing what needed to be done and hardly disturbed my rest or my mom's, who slept in the recliner next to me.
The day after surgery, Herb took the initiative to get me up out of bed and walking like PT and OT did. He even took me out in the garden for some fresh air. While most of the nurses did a fine job, my mom said he was the only nurse that took it upon himself to make sure I wasn't just lying in bed, and she really appreciated that.
Herb could get me to do stuff I didn't feel like doing, but needed to do, like eat. I didn't have much of an appetite and one of the last days I was there, he said, "What's your favorite food…what do you have a taste for?" I said, "pizza". A little while later, in walked Herb with this wonderful French bread pizza from the Patio Café. It was so good, I actually felt like eating! It was such a kind gesture!
One of the meds I was getting was via a shot. When he was giving me one of the shots, Herb took the time to demonstrate how to give myself a shot in case they sent me home with that specific medication.
Because I had brain surgery and was on oxycodone much of my time in the hospital, my mom has assisted me in writing this because, frankly, I don't remember much, but I remember Herb. We feel he should receive commendation for being a nurse who stood out and went above and beyond what was expected.
***
Speaking as a mom, Herb is an exceptional nurse and I am so thankful for his care of my daughter. There were so many different disciplines involved in her care, and it was a little hectic and confusing at times. Herb took the time to address any concerns we as a family had and quickly got answers to our questions. He was always professional, but was also able to make a connection with our daughter that enabled him to get her to do what she needed to do. He was one of the few people who could make her smile!