My husband, J, is a very difficult patient, to begin with, and he hates needles. One example from past experience, he walked out of his back procedure (even with excruciating pain) because he was not confident that the staff could take care of his fear over IV starts and needles.
Recently, we had a scheduled surgery and in pre-op my husband met his nurse Roy. I hinted to Roy a few times about how my husband feels towards needles. Roy got it! Roy introduced himself and asked my husband what he was into trying to distract him. My husband knew that an IV start was going to happen soon. J requested to answer all questions later and said: "just stick me now." I was nervous because my husband started to get antsy. J was moving, anxious and sweating. Roy listened to me and did not show J any signs of the needle nor its packaging, he cleaned J's arm and just stuck him. Success!! But wait, J was complaining of a sting, pain, and discomfort on the IV site. Roy confidently explained in detail the reason why it was "stingy" and later on adjusted the IV Catheter back....and Ohh the big ol' smile on my husband's face was priceless!! What a relief! J exact words, "No one has ever tried to look into the IV site and adjust it and retape it, now there's no pain, I don't feel any pain! You are A1 Roy, I like you man, thank you, Buddy!!"
I want to thank Roy for taking a moment for explaining in detail and making a difference in my husband's care, you are a blessing, my husband never smiles after getting an IV inserted, this was the first time. The experience with Roy was absolutely a game-changer for us, we were able to move forward with his surgery with ease. Roy cleared the way for other staff to make his visits a much smoother experience. As J would say, "Thank you, Roy, thank you, Buddy!!" You certainly are a DAISY Nurse! Starting an IV is one of the nurses' tasks but Roy went above and beyond for taking the time to stop and explain and calm my fearful husband. Roy took the time with compassion. This was extremely a HUGE deal for my husband and me to meet someone who could ease his fear and anxiety.