My son was a patient at Atrium Health Lincoln. We went to the ER and the department admitted us to the 3rd floor medical unit where we spent multiple days. During this period, my son was up and down with swelling in his elbow, fever, and pain. Come to find out, he had an infection in his elbow that needed to be treated right away. As a pitcher and avid baseball player, my son was terrified about his current condition.
That night was not a good night as the worry and concern we had kept running through our minds about what this infection in his elbow was and what the future would hold for his baseball career. We were finally able to settle down and sleep despite all the questions and concerns we had. I had slept in a recliner beside his IV pole. Our concerns and our worry carried over to the next morning.
Well, that is until our nurse Brittani Freeman entered our room. She stepped in the door and introduced herself. Her first question after stating her name was “first off, how are you both feeling?” Of course, our answer was good as we both were trying to stay positive about our reasons for being here. She looked around and looked back at me and said “Honey, where did you sleep last night?” As I pointed to the chair I had slept in, she jumped in and said, “first order of business, I am going to get you a bed. Mama has to be comfortable and well-rested too.
“Second order of business, let’s get your information to the cafeteria to make sure that you are getting something to eat. Tell me, how you are feeling? Are you in any kind of pain?” She assured us that if we needed anything she was right here with us for support and to help make this easier on us both.
It wasn’t long after that introduction that all of her promises were fulfilled. A bed was brought in, food was delivered, and things started to feel much more comfortable with my son after he explained that he was in a little bit of pain and she was able to help him. Every single thing that needed to be addressed to the doctor was addressed and every time the doctor stepped into our room, you could so easily tell that Brittani had relayed every single message that we had brought to her attention.
As a mother, I had a lot of questions. Brittani took the time to answer all the things that she could. Over and over again she reassured us both that we were under great care and with her, we knew that. She took the time and made sure that even if we had more questions, she was getting answers.
When you think about the qualities of a nurse, Brittani over exceeds every quality and expectation you could imagine. It is very hard to teach people how to care for others in such a phenomenal way. For her, it just comes so naturally. It takes a VERY special person like Brittani to do her job and to do it well.
I use Atrium Health Lincoln as my go-to medical care facility. With all of the times I have had dealings with them I will say that Brittani made this experience a very special one. My son grew to trust, appreciate, and love their time together laughing and talking. She was the best medicine for him. This hospital, this staff, and these patients are so lucky to have her. Please extend our gratitude to her. We will forever be grateful that she was with us through all of this to make this experience the best one yet.