My mother was admitted through the ED to the 4th Medical floor. My mother has never been a compliant patient. She is difficult and cantankerous towards all medical personnel. As a result, she is often dismissed or ignored due to her comments and answers. She almost wasn't admitted because the ED doctor basically told her not to waste his time. She was in AFib and was bleeding rectally. Long story short, Erin King was her nurse on the 4th floor. I warned Erin that my mom could be a handful, and she said not to worry. Erin was masterful in her approach. She used humor, smiled, and said "I got you" to my mom as a way to say I understand you. She broke the "fear."

I realize that my mother's nastiness towards medical personnel many times is her fear and her loss of control. Erin, as I learned, was a seasoned nurse who intuitively and compassionately met my mother where she needed to be met. This cannot be taught in nursing school. A great nurse gets it. I'm not sure how to describe it. Erin's skillset goes beyond nursing. She was wonderful in helping my mother make informed decisions about her health. She treated her with dignity and respect. I know Erin saw that somewhere in my mom was a scared little girl who didn't know how to always speak, act, or self-regulate her emotions. Erin made it the easiest visit/hospital stay for my mother and me. I am forever grateful.