Erica Connell
January 2018
Erica
Connell
,
RN
Renal Transplant
Albany Medical Center
Albany
,
NY
United States

 

 

 

I was a patient in AMC after complications from a gallbladder procedure put me into septic shock. After several days near death, I awoke with acute kidney damage, a persistent high WBC, a biliary drain, and a gallbladder that still had to be removed. Given my wife was a CNS in dialysis at AMC for over 20 years it made sense to transfer to AMC from another facility.
I arrived on C3east still ill but trying to be in good spirits. After a few days, I began to worry about my kidney function. Despite my best efforts, I guess it showed, or at least it did to Erica. She came to my door for her routine rounding, paused and sat down to talk. We talked about this and that, my career, and finally my fear of needing long-term dialysis. With my true emotions out in the open, Erica got up and gave me a long hug. As she hugged me, Erica whispered in my ear "you are a strong man". It was a beautiful tender moment I will long remember. It brought up my spirits and renewed my strength. Just what I needed.
AMC gave me excellent medical care and I am pleased to report I am fully recovered. Erica truly gave me great care, both body, and soul. She is truly an extraordinary nurse