April 2022
Sue
Niven
,
RN
CVU
Mercy Health-Fairfield Hospital
Fairfield
,
OH
United States

 

 

 

Sue took the time and initiative to sit and listen to the patient. She heard her fears, thoughts, family history, etc.
Recently, a patient was admitted for chest pain and ultimately was recommended for open heart surgery. This created a huge stressor for the patient and she was extremely tearful, scared, and had a mindset that she would not survive the surgery. She was unsure if she was going to go through with the surgery at all. This patient is a recent widow after being married for 54 years as her husband passed due to complications related to his open-heart surgery at another facility. She had no children, no close relatives. Her husband was her life. Sue took the time and initiative to sit and listen to the patient. She heard her fears, thoughts, family history, etc. While talking with this patient, Sue learned that the patient’s cardiologist in the past was Dr. H. In fact, he was not only her doctor but Dr. H also had a long-standing relationship with her husband and her late mother. She explained how much he meant to her family but had since retired. So, what do you think Sue did? She reached out to Dr. H on a Sunday afternoon (with the patient's knowledge), and explained the patient’s story and situation, and how much he meant to her. The next morning, Dr. H made a surprise visit to visit the patient!!!! This visit was so uplifting for this patient. Her entire energy changed and she felt reassured that this huge decision she needed to make was the right one for her. She had a positive attitude and outlook on the upcoming days and as we all know, having a positive attitude going into a huge story is imperative. Knowing Sue, I am not surprised that she reached out to a retired doctor on a Sunday afternoon in an attempt to advocate for a patient in need. This is what Sue does! She listens, she cares, and she goes above and beyond. This story is just ONE of many.