Mackenzie Kolar
May 2025
Mackenzie
Kolar
,
BSN, RN
KP 16
NYU Langone Health - Tisch/Kimmel
New York
,
NY
United States
The tighter I held her hand, the tighter she held mine back, and I knew I wasn't alone.
I was unexpectedly admitted to NYU in April. All the staff were amazing. The one nurse in particular I was thankful to meet was Mackenzie. She always came into my room with a bright smile and a friendly, outgoing personality. One night, I did not know how much I would need her calming presence and bright smile. After having my femoral central line removed, it continued to bleed.
As the team continued to gather to hold pressure on my groin to help with the bleeding, Mackenzie was a constant presence at my side. Not only did she put pressure on the site when needed, held my hand and asked me when my next travel was to distract me. She kept saying, "Look at me, you are going to be okay." The tighter I held her hand, the tighter she held mine back, and I knew I wasn't alone.
As time passed, and knowing my complicated health history, I knew things didn't look good if I had to be intubated. No matter how many providers came in and things were going on, she kept me focused even after my sister arrived. When the decision was made to bring me to the operating room for repair, I called my son and husband to tell them I loved them. I didn't know if it would be the last time. Mackenzie was still there by my side, holding my hand. She was calm and compassionate. She did not break a sweat, no matter what happened.
As they wheeled me to the operating room hallway, Mackenzie held one hand, and my sister held the other. She said she would see me soon. I wasn't sure I would see either of them again. She supported my sister while she waited for me to get out of the OR. When I arrived back in my room, her smiling face was there to greet me. I was so happy I cried. Then I was told I would be on bed rest for 24 hours. I said Mackenzie, I'm not sure I can do this. She looked at me and said, "Yes, you can, and we will distract you for the next 24 hours." I am truly thankful for her compassionate care. Mackenzie's professionalism, compassion, and expertise make an incredible difference in the lives of those she cares for daily. She is an asset to NYU Langone, and they are so lucky to have her.
As the team continued to gather to hold pressure on my groin to help with the bleeding, Mackenzie was a constant presence at my side. Not only did she put pressure on the site when needed, held my hand and asked me when my next travel was to distract me. She kept saying, "Look at me, you are going to be okay." The tighter I held her hand, the tighter she held mine back, and I knew I wasn't alone.
As time passed, and knowing my complicated health history, I knew things didn't look good if I had to be intubated. No matter how many providers came in and things were going on, she kept me focused even after my sister arrived. When the decision was made to bring me to the operating room for repair, I called my son and husband to tell them I loved them. I didn't know if it would be the last time. Mackenzie was still there by my side, holding my hand. She was calm and compassionate. She did not break a sweat, no matter what happened.
As they wheeled me to the operating room hallway, Mackenzie held one hand, and my sister held the other. She said she would see me soon. I wasn't sure I would see either of them again. She supported my sister while she waited for me to get out of the OR. When I arrived back in my room, her smiling face was there to greet me. I was so happy I cried. Then I was told I would be on bed rest for 24 hours. I said Mackenzie, I'm not sure I can do this. She looked at me and said, "Yes, you can, and we will distract you for the next 24 hours." I am truly thankful for her compassionate care. Mackenzie's professionalism, compassion, and expertise make an incredible difference in the lives of those she cares for daily. She is an asset to NYU Langone, and they are so lucky to have her.