Jamie E McDannald
May 2026
Jamie E
McDannald
,
BSN, RN, CEN
Emergency Department
Story County Medical Center
Nevada
,
IA
United States
Jamie spoke with me, even though I couldn't answer, but she treated me and didn't talk only to my daughter.
I had a very high-stress medical emergency and was taken to the emergency room, as I was having trouble breathing, and I was gasping for air. I couldn't talk without coughing. My daughter was with me and did most of the answering. We were immediately greeted by Jamie, who was so calm and collected. Jamie spoke with me, even though I couldn't answer, but she treated me and didn't talk only to my daughter. Jamie turned a high-stress situation into an easier moment for me. Still, a very difficult and scary time for me. Jamie and the Provider explained to me why the IV was needed, but I was reluctant to agree to the IV. Jamie very gently stated, "If I don't get it on the first try, then we will stop." In 79 years, no one has ever been successful with getting an IV in on the first try. I was beyond impressed! Through everything Jamie did, she was so calm. Again, this was a very high-stress situation as I couldn't breathe or barely talk. Jamie would gently touch my arm, look at me, and talk through everything before she did anything. This may sound minimal, but it was her calm, gentle touch that made me feel heard. She heard me, even though I said very few words. She treated me with the care she would have given her own mom or grandma. I am forever grateful to Jamie for treating me with such care and dignity. Jamie, please know how impactful you were to me. Your steadfast hands and gentle touches help calm me as you talked through everything.