Whenever I have a procedure, I do not fear the pain itself but the process of controlling the pain. I have a few conditions that make it challenging to find pain medications that are effective for me. After years of bad experiences, I now know what works and what does not. The primary issue is being heard by providers.

I thought I had done everything possible to make pain medication arrangements with my doctor prior to my right hip surgery. I discussed my concerns with every provider I saw and thought we had a plan, but after surgery, things did not go according to plan. It was the perfect storm: new residents, a smaller weekend staff, and each provider reassured me that someone else would definitely handle it. It was not until about 9 hours after my surgery that I first received pain medicine.

When I asked for the next dose, the night nurse said they would call the night doctor, but then never returned. I tried calling for them, but they never came. I was afraid to click the call button again. That night was very painful and exhausting, both physically and mentally. The next morning, Vonda became my nurse. She immediately leapt into action to get me the pain medication I needed.

She told me it was helpful that I knew what medications worked for·me and that I know my body best. She was realistic and communicative. She told me how long it would take to get a doctor to sign off and get the medication from the pharmacy, dropping by to give me updates during the process. She also explained some of the factors impacting pain medication administration, such as how the weekend impacts staffing and communication. This was tremendously reassuring.

Throughout the day, Vonda responded to my calls and repeatedly followed up with the doctor to sign off on my pain meds. Thanks to her efforts, we were finally able to get ahead of the pain. By the afternoon, my pain went from an 8 down to a 3, allowing me to attend physical therapy. Simultaneously, Vonda worked to fix my daily medications, which were not entered correctly, resulting in me not getting everything I needed. The gem that she is, she completely fixed this issue as well.

Vonda also put in great efforts to help arrange my medications to go home. Originally, we planned to use my home pharmacy, but the doctor did not call in the prescription until the evening, after which my pharmacy closed. Vonda had tried very hard to get the doctor to do so before the pharmacy closed, but it was outside her control. She then troubleshooted a solution, sending it to the hospital pharmacy after she called to ensure they had the liquid medication I needed. After settling in a new patient, Vonda then ran over to the pharmacy in a different building to get my medications, bringing them to the room. This was above and beyond what I could have expected and an incredible blessing.

I always hate "complaining," but am particularly afraid to do so in the hospital. When someone is in the hospital, they are incredibly vulnerable physically and emotionally. After this recent surgery, I was physically unable to stand on my own and fully dependent on the providers around me. The last thing I wanted to do was upset the person helping me to the toilet. I probably was not the most cheerful patient when Vonda first arrived.

Despite my fear of complaining, I told her plainly how much pain I was in all night after the previous nurse never returned. I expected a halfhearted dismissal, but instead, Vonda acknowledged my pain and frustration. She did not become bothered in any way, repeatedly reassuring me that I was not being a nuisance and that I should ask her for help. When I expressed anxiety over pressing the call button for medicine and other issues, she encouraged me to call for her by name whenever I had a question or concern.

She continued to reassure and encourage me throughout the day, making me feel more confident and less fearful in the hospital. She also took the time to get to know my father and me a little. She said some very kind things about my father and me. She praised how supportive my father was, patiently waiting in the hospital all day for me to be discharged, doing miscellaneous tasks while I was stuck in bed. Vonda also gave me some excellent advice for when I eventually return to get surgery on my left hip.

When I left that evening, Vonda noted my appearance and how much better I looked compared to that morning. It truly was all thanks to her. Despite the floor being short-staffed and Vonda having a lot on her plate, she never rushed me and always took her time with us. She jumped through many hoops and worked very hard to ensure I was cared for. Vonda made me feel truly cared for. Her warm demeanor, laugh, and excellence as a nurse turned a difficult hospital stay into a positive experience.

In conclusion, Vonda is an extraordinary nurse and a genuinely good person .