Sharon Vlha
June 2018
Sharon
Vlha
,
BSN, RN
Med/Surg
UPMC Shadyside
Pittsburgh
,
PA
United States

 

 

 

My daughter was being placed on PD dialysis, a new experience and one she stated, she would not endure. She was frightened and angry. She was foul-mouthed and rude. She was not going to succumb to what the medical world offered her. Her vengeance landed on Sharon. Sharon took some time to reflect. I left the room. Later, my son told me that Sharon did a fabulous job going a combination lecture and motivational talk. She took my daughter to task for her behavior and attitude and gave her hope that there was life waiting for her to live and experience. She then sought me out and assured me, "we will get through this. We will have the first exchange at 11:00."
She inspired hope in me. The natural response to my daughter's behavior would be to back-off and take the position that I am a professional and I do not have to take this abuse. Instead, Sharon chastised and encouraged, developed a plan and executed it. She treated the patient who desperately needed it, then reached out to the patient's mother who was spent and needed encouragement as well.
I cannot imagine nursing care any better than hers! In my 67 years, it is the best I have seen.