I was literally in tears on Tuesday with anxiety and a lot of fear. This wonderful lady put her arms around me and told me she was Chika, my nurse. She would not give up on me until I was out of pain. Those were her words and that is exactly what my nurse did. To say that she was amazing would be a huge understatement.
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Every person feels pain differently and Chika understands that whatever the patient says she is feeling, that is what it is, thereby honoring the American Pain Society's Patient Rights to Pain Relief: Providing information and answers to questions about pain and pain relief, feeling their provider/clinician cares for them, receiving a quick response to their report of pain and experiencing a sense their pain concerns are believed.
Addressing the patient in this manner demonstrates compassion. By definition, compassion is an inherent quality or trait that enables a nurse to discern a need, provide comfort and help a patient feel safe and valued. Chika served as an exemplar of this type of genuine compassion. She was acknowledged by this grateful patient for making a special connection, including the patient and family in the plan of care, educating the patient and family, collaborating to meet the patient's unique needs, going above and beyond the call of duty, providing individualized compassionate care and living out the hospitals vision of excellence.
According to Chika's director and manager, she is a phenomenal nurse who has an aura of absolute compassion and calmness that makes her a superhero. She has the ability to place patients' minds at ease with a gentle manner that touches patients as well as her peers. Chika also precepts the young minds of those who are new to nursing and she takes the mantle of leadership by serving as a relief charge. She is truly a valued member of the 4 West family.