Claire Gould
April 2019
Claire
Gould
,
BSN, RN, BA, CMSRN
General Medical Surgical
Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital
Geneva
,
IL
United States

 

 

 

For over a month I had been struggling with some issues. I made multiple phone calls to my OBGYN explaining my symptoms (SOB, Fatigue). She finally ordered some lab work and my HgB was 6.5, she agreed to see me in her office and she shared we would discuss a plan. The plan was to send me to the ER at Delnor to receive one unit of PRBC and she stated her scheduler would call me to set up surgery (D&C). Surgery was scheduled for more than a week later and this really upset me because I was so symptomatic of anemia. I saw the APN at my PCP's office for surgical clearance and she ordered labs. I had my labs drawn and my HgB came back at 6.6, this prompted a direct admission to Delnor. Being a nurse and a mother so much went through my head. I was nervous, worried about my family and truthfully scared. As a nurse, we like to know (and can usually control) what will happen. The minute Claire came into my room it was like an angel appeared. I shared all my concerns with her and she looked at me and said: "I am here for you we are going to get this fixed!" She made calls to the lab to see if they could just do add ons from an earlier draw, she called my PCP and my OBGYN. She was quick, professional and unbelievably compassionate. She asked my goal and I said, "I really think I need this D&C sooner than later to help me." She looked at me and said she would see what she could do. She was my advocate, my breath of fresh air and my silver lining. My OBGYN came in and said: "We will get you this blood but we will leave surgery for the scheduled date." I was visibly upset and felt dismissed. I realize how it works, I know there has to be OR time, I know I am not her only patient, anesthesia has to be on board, etc., I understand. Claire came back in as I was crying and I told her what my doctor said and she rushed into action. The next thing I know my doctor and Claire came in together and my surgery was scheduled for 0700 the next day!! Claire went and explained my thoughts and feelings to the physician; this is an example of a true DAISY Nurse. She was truly an advocate for me. She advocated for my physical and mental wellbeing. It is not easy to be on the other side of healthcare, I didn't want to burden anyone. I also have to say Claire kept me in line and reminded me that I am important too. Claire went above and beyond. She listened, she cared, and she advocated! She made my patient experience the best ever. Claire is a picture perfect nurse, she is the example of Nursing Excellence!