Veronica Alba
December 2019
Veronica
Alba
,
BSN, RN
3 West Cardiac Med/Surg
North Florida / South Georgia Veterans Health System
Gainesville
,
FL
United States

 

 

 

Veronica was my nurse when I was prescribed a very strong IV antibiotic. I experienced severe itching below my knees, not an allergic reaction- more like sensitivity. It turned out the dosage of antibiotics was too strong for the amount of drip time. Veronica immediately stopped the IV and called the doctors. They started me on an IV push of Benadryl while I was sitting on the edge of the bed.
Within seconds of starting the Benadryl, I started to fall back on the bed; when I woke up, it was like nothing happened. I was correctly positioned in bed, covered with a blanket, and hooked up to a telemetry device. I am not a small man, but somehow this tiny woman repositioned me in bed. If it wasn't for her quick thinking and action, I could have had a seizure, but she is mighty! Her intelligence, compassion, and quick action prevented an adverse event. She was very humble when accepting my thanks, but I don't know what would have happened if she wasn't there. I was in a vulnerable situation and she took care of me, no hesitation.
I've worked in public service all my life and I'm used to taking care of other people, not being on the receiving end. Veronica said she was just doing her job, but she went above and beyond.