Justine Witkovsky
April 2025
Justine
Witkovsky
,
BSN, RN
ED
Syracuse VA Medical Center
Syracuse
,
NY
United States
At that point, the ER called radiology to start a central line in my neck, and again, Justine held my hand and kept me relaxed because I didn't know the outcome and said, “I'll be right here with you.”
I woke up nauseated and having no appetite, never thinking it would be life-changing and life-threatening and need emergency surgery. Only after going to the ER at the VA hospital in Syracuse, my vital signs were great. I was escorted to the examination room, and Justine came in. I explained my reason for coming to the emergency room. Shortly after the doctor arrived, blood work was ordered, but it was unable to be obtained due to my small veins. The doctor decided to send me home with medication to stop the nausea and to return if I got worse. After the doctor left, I got off the table, and God said to me, 'Don't leave.' I told my husband, “Get the doctor, I'm not going home”. He went to the nurses’ station. A few minutes later, the doctor and Justine entered the room and said, "What's going on?" I said, “I'm not going home because I'm not well.” They decided to order a CT scan. Shortly after the results were in, the doctors entered and looked at me and said, "You're right. You're not going home. You have an intestinal blockage. We are concerned about you, and you will be admitted. We still need to get the blood and start an IV."
At that point, another doctor came in and was still unable to obtain any blood. Justine noticed that I was scared and anxious, and she came over to reassure me that everything would be okay. At that point, the ER called radiology to start a central line in my neck, and again, Justine held my hand and kept me relaxed because I didn't know the outcome and said, “I'll be right here with you.” The radiologist team arrived, and Justine politely informed my husband that he would have to leave, as they needed a sterile setting, and that she would keep him informed. A sterile cover was over me, and Justine, during this time, was talking to me and telling me what was going on. She told me to be still. I'm here with you. You're going to be fine. Finally, the central line was in, and they were able to draw blood.
I was admitted to the 6th-floor medical unit. After, the team of doctors greeted me and said it was an intestinal blockage and I would need 3 1/2 hours of surgery. I nominate Justine for the DAISY Award. Justine, your dedication, compassion, and commitment to me during this short time have earned my respect, just as you have shown me dignity. Justine followed me, and I was admitted to the 6th-floor medicine after my surgery was complete and then admitted to the ICU a couple of days later. Justine came to the ICU and spoke with me, and I didn't even remember, but I noticed a plant with a card and a Bible verse from Kings 20:5 on the windowsill. I couldn't quite remember it all, but I still carry that card with me to all my appointments to this day. Justine, thank you for your exceptional care, memorable moments, and Call of Duty on that day. I felt like a part of your family. As my journey continues, I will keep you informed.
At that point, another doctor came in and was still unable to obtain any blood. Justine noticed that I was scared and anxious, and she came over to reassure me that everything would be okay. At that point, the ER called radiology to start a central line in my neck, and again, Justine held my hand and kept me relaxed because I didn't know the outcome and said, “I'll be right here with you.” The radiologist team arrived, and Justine politely informed my husband that he would have to leave, as they needed a sterile setting, and that she would keep him informed. A sterile cover was over me, and Justine, during this time, was talking to me and telling me what was going on. She told me to be still. I'm here with you. You're going to be fine. Finally, the central line was in, and they were able to draw blood.
I was admitted to the 6th-floor medical unit. After, the team of doctors greeted me and said it was an intestinal blockage and I would need 3 1/2 hours of surgery. I nominate Justine for the DAISY Award. Justine, your dedication, compassion, and commitment to me during this short time have earned my respect, just as you have shown me dignity. Justine followed me, and I was admitted to the 6th-floor medicine after my surgery was complete and then admitted to the ICU a couple of days later. Justine came to the ICU and spoke with me, and I didn't even remember, but I noticed a plant with a card and a Bible verse from Kings 20:5 on the windowsill. I couldn't quite remember it all, but I still carry that card with me to all my appointments to this day. Justine, thank you for your exceptional care, memorable moments, and Call of Duty on that day. I felt like a part of your family. As my journey continues, I will keep you informed.