This is a story about a nurse, Amanda, that was assigned to me on Gibson Pavilion 5th floor. I had my first surgery and was sent home the following day, having met all the criteria for safe discharge. Unfortunately, I developed a fever and was readmitted to Gibson, where I first met Amanda. She kept a close eye on my temperature and vital signs, and, when complications set in, she knew exactly what to do and who to call. My second surgery, an emergency, was faced with a great calmness because of Amanda who was professional and displayed a great deal of compassion to me. I remember not being afraid, as she was keeping me informed of what was happening, and assured me she would see me upon my return to my room. She returned the following night and was once again assigned to me.
We laughed about our mixed feeling of her being assigned to me once again, as my recovery was becoming complex, and with her observation and assessment skills I was not assured of a quiet night! Little did I know that, once again, I would develop complications that she observed and emergency surgery #3 just a week after my initial surgery, was carried out.
When I could communicate to my children and husband, I shared with them that the reason I was alive was because of the caring compassion, excellent observation, and assessment skills of Amanda. Amanda displays all of the attributes of a DAISY Nurse. My children have yet to meet her, but refer to her as "the nurse that saved our mother's life." I am very grateful to her, as well as the rest of the 5th floor team, many of whom also provided for my care.