You know, it seems everyone is in a rush these days and that there is more on our plates than what we should have and as a relative to a few who work in the medical field I know this is especially true for nurses. Some nurses have the coping skills for the hustle, the bustle, and the stress and are professional and some do not, although they get the patient through. When I think what a nurse should be, I see this young lady's face.
I am the type of person who asks a lot of questions and I found out through this experience I ask a lot more questions than I usually ask when I am stressed. I was nervous. I had gone to Med Express because of my history with inflammation. I needed some medication for a flare-up but my doctor's office was closed due to the holidays. The doctor at Med Express put me through a good checkup. After everything came back normal he asked me some questions and said that he felt that I should be seen in the ER to rule out anything more serious. I thought to myself, "More serious?" The doctor explained that some tests needed to be done on my heart and that he did not have what he needed to run the tests and of course he explained why. I was shocked, surprised, anxious, worried, and called my husband. I told him what the doctor said and he came to meet me. That made me feel better because I would have some support and someone else to listen to what was said or to ask questions.
When I arrived at the Emergency Room I checked in. Everyone was very nice and professional. I sat in my chair without too much discomfort because I did not have to breathe too deep and I waited on my turn. When my name was called the nurse that took me to my room was walking pretty fast. I tried to keep up so that I did not get lost. When we got to my room she handed me a gown and told me to put it on. Before I had a chance to ask her if I should take all of my clothing off she was gone. So, I thought it would only be common sense since it was my chest that I undress from the waist up and that is what I did.
Next, a nurse came into the room and introduced herself. She said she would be putting an IV in me and I asked her why it was needed. She said that it was protocol for when someone came in with pain in their chest but she said she would check with my doctor to see if I had to have it. I was not against having it but I really just wanted to know the reason that it was being given to me. Due to the fact that this nurse was observant, she could read that I was nervous and she was trying to make me feel comfortable by letting me know that my questions were worth getting answers to no matter how serious or how silly they were she was going to be my advocate. She began to earn my trust and with that she made me feel more comfortable in the environment I was in. She genuinely cared. She continued to show that by checking on me in between patients and helping to explain what the doctors said would be coming next.
I went through all of the tests, the first few were blood tests, and then I had to have an IV for a CT Scan with contrast. So, I would need that IV after all. She tried to stick me but my veins were too small. She was cautious not to hurt me and used a vein finder and tried two times to get the needle in but my veins just would not cooperate. The nurse said, "I am going to have to get another nurse to try to get this. If it was my mother I would not want her to be stuck more than she has to be." It took several more nurses; by the fourth nurse there was a success and I was ready to go.
Again, this nurse kept checking on me in between patients answering questions and showing compassion as I was still a bit nervous about what might happen now. I was a little anxious thinking that it could have been something very serious.
When the doctor came back in to tell me about the results of my tests and that he was going to prescribe the medication I needed I think it was her smile that assured me everything was fine, she also reminded me that when you have pain in your chest that it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Seeing her smile like that, having the rapport of trust, her compassion the excellent quality of care made me feel as if I was safe and that everything was okay. Her expression let me know that I would be feeling better in a few days.
She was personable; we laughed and talked a little as she took the IV out of my arm. I asked her if she had always wanted to be a nurse because she was so natural at it as if she did not have to think about putting any effort into being a great nurse. She replied that she had always wanted to be a country singer and shared a song with me. I really feel that I connected with this nurse; she never had to go above and beyond making me feel safe, wanted, and cared for.
After I got home, got some rest, and started my medication I looked on her Facebook page. Her beautiful singing voice spiked my interest in hearing more of her music and when I looked on her page I began to realize we had a lot in common. I am sure the outcome would have been the same even if I had another nurse but I do not think that I would have felt as comfortable nor would I have had the understanding, patience, advocacy, sympathy, and non-judgmental; quality of care because I do realize there is a lot of trauma and emergencies in the ER and my reason for being there was just ruling out anything more serious.
When I left CAMC Memorial ER I still had some issues because I had not filled my prescription yet but I felt light, happy, and content and I think that was mostly due to my nurse and how she handled what I consider to have been a sensitive situation. In a case like mine that was the first step to healing. Thanks to all nurses who provide good care to their patients and a special thank you to this nurse for the excellent quality of care that was given to me.