Artemis Malin, BSN, RN, MEDSURG BC

My surgeon sent me to the ER due to an infection that arose from abdominal surgery the week before. I wound up having to go back in for another surgery that very same night. The surgeon opened me back up and cleaned out the infection, added 4 drains and a wound vac (as there was too much inflammation to close up the wound at this time). As you can imagine, not only was I experiencing a great deal of pain, but I was also very scared about the whole situation. They put me in a room that I would be in for several days until the wound was calm enough to close up. My nurse was a total Godsend. She spent the entire first night observing my numbers and managing my significant pain. She made me feel like my comfort and care were her number one priority. I was very scared about the potential of the infection getting into my bloodstream that first night and she continually reassured me and made me feel like I was in the best hands. The number of times she stopped in to check on me and give me a word of encouragement made such a world of difference in getting through that first night. I am so blessed to have had her as my nurse. Her kindness, empathy, and encouragement were everything I needed. I appreciate her so much!