Being a nurse, you never want to have to play the part of the patient. Recently, I became the patient. At only 27 years old, focusing my life primarily on my career, going back to school and the blissfulness of being a newlywed, I added frequent health appointments into the mix. Not a week has gone by since the initial diagnosis of a mysterious DVT, that I have not had an appointment with various specialists, primary care providers, laboratories or imaging facilities. It has been exhausting and very discouraging leading me to feelings of sadness and worsening depression.
Today I had an appointment at Banner Heart for further diagnostic workup and EVERYONE was so wonderful. From the tech and RN in Pre-Op, the line team, the entire OR team, the providers, to everyone in PACU, but one person, in particular, stood out among all others: Katie Denison RN. Katie was my recovery nurse and was one of the absolute best people I have ever met. She was personable, friendly, funny, cheerful, attentive, intelligent and caring. Once my time in recovery was completed she brought my husband back promptly and went over my discharge paperwork with the two of us. As she was removing my IVs, I noticed an adorable, green dinosaur penlight hanging from her badge. I commented 'Oh my gosh, is that a penlight?!' She picked up this cute little guy while on vacation with her family and said she just couldn't resist bringing him home. She then shared with me some of her troubles with personal health and connected with me on a more personal level and I knew she understood the struggles of being a nurse-patient. She said she chooses to enjoy the little things in life, such as quirky penlights, as life is just too short. Paperwork was signed, thanks were given, and our goodbyes were had.
I was wheeled out by the same tech who was so helpful and nice from pre-op and helped me into my husband's truck. After buckling up and getting ready to head back home, my husband turned to me and said, 'Oh, by the way, Katie wanted you to have this.' From his pocket, he pulled out the adorable, green dinosaur pen I complimented her on not but five minutes ago. My eyes filled with tears as I held down the button only to be even more thrilled to hear a 'roar' accompany the light turning on which made me laugh like a little girl. I had never had such kindness bestowed upon me by a complete stranger and I felt truly blessed not only to have met but to have been cared for by such a truly genuine person such as Katie. Thank you, Katie, you deserve all the goodness in this world!