Abenaa Oforiwaa
August 2021
Abenaa
Oforiwaa
,
BSN, RN
General Surgery/Bariatrics
Duke University Health System
Durham
,
NC
United States

 

 

 

I was a little sore from the surgery, but Abenaa’s presence and energy just made everything awesome.
When I arrived at the 6300 unit, I was super nervous about what was happening to me. As a mother of four and a grandmother, words cannot express how concerned my family and I were about my condition. My favorite cousin died from appendicitis, and all I could think about was her and my condition. In addition, my mom was also sick at the time of my admission, so I had to leave my two younger daughters who are both in college with tons of homework to take care of her. I had a lot on my mind!
When Abenaa came into my room, her energy was soothing. I was instantly put at ease. I knew I was in good hands. She introduced herself, allowed me time to get acclimated to my room, and afterward, began to get the intake information. One thing that bonded us instantly when she was doing the intake information, was South Korean music. I told her my daughters would get a kick out of that! She was surprised that I absolutely love South Korean music, particularly the group BTS! Later on that evening, my daughters called while she was there and when I told them. Abenaa was very warm and gracious to them. The feeling I had about her was reiterated by them in my conversation with them later that night. They felt good knowing I was in good hands.
The energy of any medical staff is crucial to patient care. I’m grateful for Abenaa and her positive energy! Her attitude was amazing! That night after getting to the floor, I was desperate to take a shower because I had been in the ER for a while as well as NPO. She went above and beyond in providing me with everything I needed to get cleaned up and comfortable because I had nothing with me. I was so thankful for that because it helped me transition into a calmer mindset. That shower was absolutely what I needed to feel better. She made sure that I was settled in well!
When Abenaa came into my room for meds and to check on me, she thought I was asleep, so she was quiet and smiling! I let her know that I was a night owl, so it was great to have conversations with her about life, music, and my family. We talked and laughed throughout the night and that was a great distraction for me.
My surgery was scheduled for the next morning, so before she left at the end of her shift, she made sure I was okay and handed off my care to yet another wonderful nurse! After my surgery, Abenaa returned that night. I was so grateful she was my nurse! She asked me how I was and made sure I was comfortable. Again, she went above and beyond to take care of me. I was finally allowed to eat so she made sure I had snacks to get me through the night. Again, we laughed and had a great time that evening. I was a little sore from the surgery, but Abenaa’s presence and energy just made everything awesome for me- I actually slept pretty well!
Knowing that the next morning I was leaving, I did inform Abenaa about a situation with my lab work the day of my surgery. She told me how to report it. I appreciated her empathy about the situation. She truly is a remarkable person. Thank you for the opportunity to express my feelings about my care! My experience was top-notch from start to finish. I really appreciated meeting Abenaa. I wish it had been at a BTS concert instead of being in the hospital! Even with these circumstances, God blessed me truly. The universe sent me the absolute best people. I’m beyond grateful to Abenaa and the other medical staff involved in my care- thank you for helping me get through a very trying experience with ease!