Paula Hoit
January 2019
Paula
Hoit
,
RN, BSN, CEN
Emergency Department
Overlake Medical Center
Bellevue
,
WA
United States

 

 

 

I have worked in Overlake's Emergency Department for 10 years. I have always known that my department is special with amazing, talented people making up an incredible team. I was recently transferred from Urgent Care to the ER and though you never want to be a patient at your workplace, I have to say that after my medical crisis was over I have never been so grateful or proud to work with the people that I am honored and humbled to work with every day.
I was in severe pain, distressed, and very scared. As soon as I arrived at my room, my nurse, Paula Hoit was there immediately. She knew just by looking at me that I was really suffering. She started my IV immediately and got the doctor to come in quickly. My pain was treated immediately and though I had multiple procedures done, I was able to get through it all with Paula's help because not only was I in pain, but I was also alone.
What stands out the most with Paula is that she knew. She knew I was in no shape to answer a lot of questions in the beginning. Her quiet efficiency was so desperately needed. Some people might think that scripts and filling out every box on the computer are needed to do a good job. But really, sometimes it's what you DON'T say, and how we have to leave those boxes empty for the moment to alleviate suffering. Paula did just that for me and I am so grateful.
Fortunately, I had a painful but non-life-threatening problem. I was able to be discharged home to rest. When I was feeling better, I started to think about the amazing care I received. I also know because I see it every day, that my care was not out of the ordinary just because I worked there. I see the team at Overlake provide the same level of efficient, compassionate care for every patient who comes into the ED. I have worked with Paula for many years. I have always known she is a very good nurse, what I know now is that she also has "it". That special quality of knowing, just knowing, what is needed for each individual patient and adapting to each situation with grace, professionalism, and compassion.