During my recent hospitalization, Dakota was my night shift RN. For 3 of these 4 nights, Dakota introduced herself the first night and finished with what became her standard question “anything I can do for you?”  During that night she explained our first task was to clear the blood in my urine with the saline solution dripped into my catheter. Constant replacement of the solution and emptying filled catheter bags took a lot of Dakota’s time.

Another task while I had the catheter was flushing the catheter when blood clots blocked the catheter; Dakota was always quickly available to ease my pain. Starting the second night, she shared with me the info on my chart keeping me updated on my condition. Except for occasional blood clots, she was pleased I was pain-free. When discussing my condition, she encouraged questions and was always thorough with her replies. With my concern about my hemoglobin fluctuations, she assured me that a transfusion would only be done as a last resort.

By her third night, my catheter was removed. I was progressing to discharge but I had one major hurdle to clear. I would need to urinate three times and each time after urinating was complete, a bladder scan would be done to monitor bladder retention. To help with that effort she kept me stocked with water and was always available to do the bladder scans ASAP. By 10:30 I passed that test.

The next morning, I told her of the problem I was having with bowel movements; after explaining the possible causes, she assured me my visiting urologist would have the remedy. All three nights she would clean my pelvic area to prevent infection. Dakota is a very compassionate and caring nurse. My only regret was I was discharged early evening and didn't get a chance to thank her for all that she did. She was fantastic!!!