Alice Mulligan
May 2022
Alice
Mulligan
,
BSN, RN
ICU
Phelps Hospital Northwell Health
Sleepy Hollow
,
NY
United States

 

 

 

I don’t know what I would have done if it hadn’t been for her.
I was hospitalized, and I came into the ER with obstructive cholecystitis, had an endoscopic procedure to remove the blockage, and ended up with sepsis. I was transferred to the ICU at 3 am. I have a very long history of chronic illness, medical maintenance and procedures, and major surgery, but I have never been sick enough to be sent to the ICU. I had an FUO and was tested for every bacteria and virus under the sun, all of which were negative. I know people who have died from sepsis. And I was on a hospital floor full of COVID patients. To say that I was frightened is an understatement. Alice took care of me during the next three days until I was transferred to 2 North. No one could explain my high fevers, which caused severe rigors or low BP. Massive doses of antibiotics did more harm than good to my organs and visiting hours were limited. I don’t know what I would have done if it hadn’t been for her. Her firm but gentle care was reassuring, and it seemed she was always there when I needed her. I don’t remember ever using the call bell. I will be forever grateful to have had her take care of me.