I was admitted to Cox South Hospital on Saturday, June 25th, 2011, to unit 700 East. Most of the nurses I came in contact with were very good, but Casey was exceptional. She exuded true concern for me. She never left my room until she knew I was okay and did not need anything else. When I did need something, she immediately either got it for me or did it for me – whichever the need may have been.
Casey made me feel really comfortable being in the hospital – which is not my normal comfort zone. I actually work in many hospitals and know many people in many departments, and I am comfortable there – but not as a patient. However, Casey was always positive and made me smile, and even sometimes laugh.
Casey had great eye contact which showed me that she was honest and took pride in what she was saying and doing. As I noted, I see a lot of hospital personnel in the Kansas City area, and Casey’s care and attitude went above and beyond expectation. When things turned serious and I had a pulmonary embolism, my sister tells me Casey instantly took control of the situation and called for the extra help that was needed. I was blue, my oxygen level was 46% and my blood pressure was out of this world. Apparently I was hollering because my back hurt. All this was on Casey’s watch. After I came to, I remember Casey calming me down. I am alive today because of her quick, calm, professional nursing skills. My sister has worked in hospital radiology for many years and was also very impressed with her. Casey worked well and communicated well with all of her co-workers; I noticed she had good rapport and mutual respect with everyone she was in contact with.
In one way it was sad when Casey told me I would be moved to another floor so I could be monitored from the nurse’s station when there wasn’t a nurse in my room. The new staff was great but I was sad that Casey would not be my nurse the next day. I missed her and her nursing care.
When I was on 700 E, Casey had to give me a shot in my stomach both days she cared for me. I was scared and was sure it would hurt considerably. To my surprise, it did not hurt. When I was transferred to the new floor and it was time for my stomach shot I was fine because I knew then that it wouldn’t hurt. But this time it really did hurt both during and after the shot. This showed me that Casey knows how to give good shots and that she takes the time and care necessary to make it as comfortable as possible.
Casey is very deserving of the DAISY award – it is my hope and prayer that she receives it.