I woke up to some extreme pain and having been given pain meds prior to falling asleep I woke up in a crazy state. I honestly thought I was having a heart attack. From the time I was admitted until that night, I hadn't been given my daily meds yet which included Prozac and Xanax for anxiety and panic attacks. I was terrified and screaming "Help me Jesus" because that was the only words and thoughts that entered my mind. Eventually, the nurse was able to calm me down and get me back to sleep.
I recognized the nurse's face from my previous panic attack experience. When she left my room, my sister told me that she was one of the nurses who tried to calm me down during the terrible panic attack. When she returned to my room later, I asked her if she remembered the incident and she did. I immediately thanked her for being so patient and kind towards me. Again during the night, I was having the chest spasms and it frighten me. I told my nurse about it and in the most loving way she said, "Just Calm down Ms. B." She went on to tell me that she is watching my activity even when she is not in my room and that she is doing her job, but when I get nervous she gets nervous and she doesn't want that for us. She checked my vitals, administered my medicine and she told me that all I had to do now was relax and get some rest. She explained that sleep was good for our bodies and that I needed it. I actually became emotional; because she made me feel so loved and cared for. She didn't make me feel like just another patient on her floor for the night shift, nor did she embarrass me. She provided gentle/compassionate care to me. I placed my CPAP on and closed my eyes and went to sleep. I have the hardest time sleeping at night; because I fear that I won't wake up. But Renee completely removed all of my fear and anxiety with her words, actions, kindness, and love.
I can't express just how grateful and appreciative I am for having her as my nurse. She goes above and beyond what is asked of her and it's that kind of treatment that makes a patient feel truly cared for. I couldn't ask for a better nurse and I look forward to her return tonight. I would like to thank Renee for her service and thank the Director/Manager for hiring such a wonderful person to care for the patients at Our Lady of Lourdes.