Jennifer
Nelson
March 2023
Jennifer
Nelson
,
RN
University of Kansas Health System; Olathe Hospital
Olathe
,
KS
United States
She wasn't hustling because it was her job or because someone was watching. No, it was for me, someone Jenn had never met until that morning.
I was an Olathe Health System patient. My visit was unexpected, resulting from a cerebellar stroke shortly after 6:00 am. I was brought to your ER by ambulance. This is how I met Jenn.
I'm not sure what you know about this type of stroke. If you're like me, not much. I learned it's uncommon (something like 2-3% of strokes). It can be difficult to diagnose, and the ER struggled to do so. Then Jenn entered. She knew something was critically wrong, and I still recall her diligence and attention to the situation.
I distinctly remember Jenn intently studying my eyes. She didn't like what she saw and disappeared for the briefest of moments. When Jenn returned, she grabbed my mobile bed, and away we went. And fast too. My vision was awful. I could only see right in front of my face, it was like looking through Coke bottles. But I could hear her talking to me as she pushed.
I could also tell it was early. The hallways were empty. It sounded like she was running; she moved with purpose. I could hear her breathing and exerting significant energy as she pushed the bed on wheels. It was clear to me - even in my diminished state - that Jenn’s care was genuine. Based on the time of day and the silence, I doubt anyone could see her. She wasn't hustling because it was her job or because someone was watching. No, it was for me, someone Jenn had never met until that morning.
It turned out, Jenn’s instinct was right. The diagnostic tests of my brain showed I had a stroke. It was a serious one that, until then, had gone undiagnosed. The care I have experienced overall at Olathe System has been wonderful. But I am sending this email about Ms. Nelson. I know her role can be (or at least feel) thankless. For example, on the morning of my visit, a man decided to show his privates to the staff (and be all-around unpleasant) throughout my brief ER stay. She handled it like a pro.
Her care was exceptional. She also made me smile and laugh. The cherry on top: she sought me out the next day in my room on her own time to check on me. The point of this is simple: Jenn is fabulous. She is exceptional, and you are lucky to have her at your health system.
I'm not sure what you know about this type of stroke. If you're like me, not much. I learned it's uncommon (something like 2-3% of strokes). It can be difficult to diagnose, and the ER struggled to do so. Then Jenn entered. She knew something was critically wrong, and I still recall her diligence and attention to the situation.
I distinctly remember Jenn intently studying my eyes. She didn't like what she saw and disappeared for the briefest of moments. When Jenn returned, she grabbed my mobile bed, and away we went. And fast too. My vision was awful. I could only see right in front of my face, it was like looking through Coke bottles. But I could hear her talking to me as she pushed.
I could also tell it was early. The hallways were empty. It sounded like she was running; she moved with purpose. I could hear her breathing and exerting significant energy as she pushed the bed on wheels. It was clear to me - even in my diminished state - that Jenn’s care was genuine. Based on the time of day and the silence, I doubt anyone could see her. She wasn't hustling because it was her job or because someone was watching. No, it was for me, someone Jenn had never met until that morning.
It turned out, Jenn’s instinct was right. The diagnostic tests of my brain showed I had a stroke. It was a serious one that, until then, had gone undiagnosed. The care I have experienced overall at Olathe System has been wonderful. But I am sending this email about Ms. Nelson. I know her role can be (or at least feel) thankless. For example, on the morning of my visit, a man decided to show his privates to the staff (and be all-around unpleasant) throughout my brief ER stay. She handled it like a pro.
Her care was exceptional. She also made me smile and laugh. The cherry on top: she sought me out the next day in my room on her own time to check on me. The point of this is simple: Jenn is fabulous. She is exceptional, and you are lucky to have her at your health system.