My fiancé was a patient in your hospital for almost six full months earlier this year. He was being treated for necrotizing pancreatitis. During those six months, he was never left alone. Either I or his sister stayed night and day with him. We had the opportunity to meet and observe many, many nurses.
Admittedly, my fiancé was a lot of work for the nurse who had him for 12 hours at a time. Many different IV antibiotics infused, one after another. The IVs only lasted so long and had to be reinserted; PICC lines clogged and needed to be worked on. There was almost constant nausea, vomiting and hiccups. Several nausea meds were rotated as due, around the clock to provide small relief. My fiancé had three drains in his abdomen that needed emptying with dressing changes. He had an NJ tube for around the clock tube feedings, which created loose, urgent tools. He had at least four rapid responses called while at the University Hospital. He was often unstable. My point is, the nurse who chose (or received) my fiancé for a patient, was going to work very hard for 12 hours. Many nurses took care of him only once or twice, probably opting out when given the choice. Zach Matthews took my fiancé as part of his patient load almost every time he was in Zach's area on 6th floor. He was in and out of ICU and sometimes ended up in another area after leaving ICU. Zach would find him and stop in to say hello, show his concern and offer encouragement.
When Zach was his nurse, we could get rest knowing his needs would be met. Dressings were always changed, sometimes twice in the shift, if needed. Despite protests, he was always turned from side to side and skin protectant applied if Zach was his nurse. We didn't have to watch the clock and ask for the next nausea medication when due, then wait. Zach knew when it was due and brought it in a timely manner, even though these meds were PRN, not scheduled. Zach would anticipate my fiancé needs and offer the medications when available. When something was not working, he had suggestions and did not hesitate to call the doctor for new orders. He came to the room with all the supplies needed, the first time. He observed infection precautions at all times. Zach was never far away and before leaving the room would always ask "What else can I do for you." Zach treated my fiancé with the utmost respect and compassion at all times. Not only was the patient care prompt and professional, it was friendly and lighthearted.
Zach Matthews made a profound difference in our experience at the University of Iowa Hospital and deserves to be recognized for it.