It was a stressful day - leaving our home at 4:30 am to cover the long distance, finding the hospital in unfamiliar territory, and dealing with the COVID-19 protocol. Because of the virus, my husband was not allowed in the hospital. He is extremely hard of hearing and we can only communicate through texting. I was relaxed physically, but not mentally during the procedure. I saw what was happening to my eye and heard what was being said. My stress and depression kept growing!
Then I met Katherine when brought to my room. What a wonderful nurse and person she is. She could tell I was uncomfortable and trying not to let it show. She was kind, informative, and most helpful, explaining each procedure she did. I began to relax. She made sure I had everything I needed including lunch! She explained the post-op instructions, answering my questions with patience and knowledge.
I asked about the parking ramp situation: did I need a pass to ensure the $5.00 fee I was told about during the pre-admittance phone call? She said I should have been given that when I entered the hospital. I asked what the fee might be without it. She estimated a minimum of $25.00, probably more. It may not have seemed extreme to me normally, but it was the proverbial "straw that broke the camel's back" - it broke me! There was no way for my husband to get the pass, or for me to leave the hospital with it as they would walk me out the front door and he would have to leave the parking ramp and pick me up! Katherine then volunteered to find my husband and give him the pass. I told her I would never expect her to do that - it would be okay. She said that I just had surgery and it made her sad that I was crying.
Because I was not doing very well trying to text, Katherine did it. She described what she was wearing, and they did connect, she gave him the pass. Who does that? Only a caring and kind person. Katherine went above and beyond her duties and deserves to be acknowledged for the great nurse she is. Crouse Hospital found a gem!