June 2023
Larrie
Arceneaux
,
RN
POSS
Ochsner Medical Center- Main Campus New Orleans
New Orleans
,
LA
United States

 

 

 

She advocated on behalf of my husband to the attending physician, put us in contact with the patient advocate, and took it upon herself to check in on us daily, which made both of us feel as if we had an ally in a hospital where we knew no one.
My husband was admitted through the ED following complications from prostate surgery. After spending two long and stressful days in the ED, we were met with just as much frustration from the residents who were appointed to my husband’s case upon being placed on the fifth floor POSS. Neither I nor my husband felt as though our concerns were being heard despite multiple attempts with the residents. After the fourth day of watching my husband deteriorate before me, I walked down to the nurse’s station and asked to speak with the charge nurse. I wasn't sure what I was going to say but knew that I needed to speak to someone who maybe would listen to us. Larrie Arceneaux came to greet me, and as I began to speak, I broke down into tears, trying to tell her what was happening. Larrie was so very compassionate and listened to me, never once making me feel embarrassed for letting my emotions get the best of me. I finally felt as if someone was hearing what we had been trying to tell the physicians all along. She assured me that she was going to make sure things would start getting better, and she was going to personally see that my husband’s needs were met and our concerns would be heard. She advocated on behalf of my husband to the attending physician, put us in contact with the patient advocate, and took it upon herself to check in on us daily, which made both of us feel as if we had an ally in a hospital where we knew no one. Her demeanor and caring personality were so needed during such a scary time. The time she spent and the effort she put forth to see everything through and make sure my husband started receiving the care that Ochsner is known for was so reassuring to us both. Larrie went above and beyond for us. My husband returned to Ochsner a week later for another complication, and our fears were once again calmed as I came down the hall and saw Larrie there again. She is a perfect example of what a nurse who goes above and beyond for patients is. I truly don't know what we would have done had it not been for her.