May 2021
April
Sheppard
,
RN
Share-the-Care
McLeod Regional Medical Center
Florence
,
SC
United States
April talked me through the treatment, what to expect, what to come back to the hospital for, and what to look for at home with my child and family. She set my heart and my mind at ease.
Being the primary caregiver for an immunocompromised child, I was terrified when COVID arrived. Our family has been through many trials and tribulations. I prayed COVID would not add to our list. When my cold-like symptoms began, I was very concerned. Then I lost my sense of taste. I feared my worst nightmare was coming true. The results came back positive for COVID-19. I was terrified that I had exposed my child. Frantic about my next steps, my physician said that I met the criteria for the Bamlanivimab infusion treatment. Already, I had been given a gift. Then, when I arrived for the treatment, I saw that my blessing had just begun. As April introduced herself to me, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. Love, kindness, and compassion radiated out of her. Not feeling well, worried about my child and if he was going to be sick, I wasn't the most pleasant patient. April could sense all of that. She cared for ME, not a COVID-19 patient. She prayed with me. While caring for me, she took the time to talk with me about my circumstances at home. She wasn't rushed even though I could tell that she was busy. She didn't make little of my concerns. She offered suggestions for how my family could help out and then she helped me understand how important it was to take care of myself. She wasn't judgmental. She was genuinely concerned about me! She prayed with me. She talked me through the treatment, what to expect, what to come back to the hospital for, and what to look for at home with my child and family. She set my heart and my mind at ease. I went home and began to get better quickly. My family took the suggestions April provided to me and used them. Everyone was pitching in and helping out as I was recovering. I often thought of April and how much she gave me through a simple infusion. Quickly, I got better and better. With that, my life began to get busier and busier. I saw on social media that April was one of several to receive the challenge coin from the SC National Guard. When I saw this, I realized she must have touched so many people. People who have their own story that is equally as important. I knew that I had to let you know how special this nurse is!