Andrea Schwartz
July 2021
Andrea
Schwartz
,
RN
3N Orthopedics
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Barrington
,
IL
United States
Andrea stood out in my mind because she was able to go beyond the typical nurse/patient relationship and connect with me about other things that are so important in life.
After spending 8 days on 3N following a nasty fall at home, I became acutely aware of the caring and compassion displayed by the RNs and CNAs at GSHP. Andrea stood out in my mind because she was able to go beyond the typical nurse/patient relationship and connect with me about other things that are so important in life. Andrea, along with her many other duties, was tasked with the unenviable duty of installing a catheter in me – you know, shoving it up “where the sun doesn’t shine.” Unfortunately, I have “catheter-phobia”! I am terrified of catheters which stems from some unhappy past experiences. I was adamantly against allowing this device to be installed. Regrettably, Andrea had to spend an inordinate amount of time convincing me that it was in my best interest, and she would be able to do this procedure without causing me anxiety or pain. I am not easily convinced, but through her nurturing and cajoling, she talked me into believing her. She was able to be successful in completing the task while at the same time keeping me happy. I feel that it was the way she connected with me (although we are two generations apart) that made me feel as comfortable and confident as if we were a member of my own family.