Davra Taylor
October 2022
Davra
Taylor
,
RN
Orthopedic Unit
UVA Health
Charlottesville
,
VA
United States
Four hours later I was able to open my eyes again and both my wife and Davra were there looking at me. I'm so grateful they were there and stuck with me until that was over.
My journey with UVA started in July when I was admitted to the hospital for spine surgery. I must say though, from the moment I agreed with my doctor to have this surgery, I was absolutely terrified. The process started out fairly smooth, getting me prepped and ready to go, lots of doctors and nurses buzzing around with each doing something important I suppose. I can't really say since the only thing on my mind was terror. Finally, the moment came, and I was wheeled into the OR and put under.
Hours later, 5 or so I think, I was brought back into the living world by the recovery team. Thanks to them for that. I then remember being wheeled into a room, a room that I would share with another patient that had just come from surgery himself. The nursing staff was trying to make me comfortable but I had this horrific headache, like none that I'd ever had before. I think 24 hours or so went by and it just got worse. My neighbor was talking to visitors and was so loud I thought my head would burst. The staff just tried to make me comfortable but it wasn't working. The next thing I know, Davra stepped in front of all of them and started getting me ready to move. I remember her saying something like, "You have a Dural tear and are leaking spinal fluid. That's why your head hurts so bad. Stay still and flat and I'm moving you to another room where it's quiet".
For several days she looked in on me, even when other nurses were assigned to my room. When the time came for me to get up and walk -- she was there. Good thing too because I didn't get far before the headache came back and this time with a vengeance. I can only remember the pain and not being able to see anything but white. I could hear Davra guiding me to lie down where she packed a pillow over my eyes. Four hours later I was able to open my eyes again and both my wife and Davra were there looking at me. I'm so grateful they were there and stuck with me until that was over.
My story isn't one of extreme efforts taken to keep me alive. It isn't one of efforts taken that were really even critical as compared to any life-saving efforts. No. These were efforts taken by a Nurse that cares deeply about people and honestly feels their pain. I hurt and she helped me to not hurt. I needed help and she knew what I needed and made it happen so I could heal. She is a special Human Being and I was blessed by having her look after me. Thank you Davra -- I'll never forget you.
Note: This is Davra's 2nd DAISY Award!
Hours later, 5 or so I think, I was brought back into the living world by the recovery team. Thanks to them for that. I then remember being wheeled into a room, a room that I would share with another patient that had just come from surgery himself. The nursing staff was trying to make me comfortable but I had this horrific headache, like none that I'd ever had before. I think 24 hours or so went by and it just got worse. My neighbor was talking to visitors and was so loud I thought my head would burst. The staff just tried to make me comfortable but it wasn't working. The next thing I know, Davra stepped in front of all of them and started getting me ready to move. I remember her saying something like, "You have a Dural tear and are leaking spinal fluid. That's why your head hurts so bad. Stay still and flat and I'm moving you to another room where it's quiet".
For several days she looked in on me, even when other nurses were assigned to my room. When the time came for me to get up and walk -- she was there. Good thing too because I didn't get far before the headache came back and this time with a vengeance. I can only remember the pain and not being able to see anything but white. I could hear Davra guiding me to lie down where she packed a pillow over my eyes. Four hours later I was able to open my eyes again and both my wife and Davra were there looking at me. I'm so grateful they were there and stuck with me until that was over.
My story isn't one of extreme efforts taken to keep me alive. It isn't one of efforts taken that were really even critical as compared to any life-saving efforts. No. These were efforts taken by a Nurse that cares deeply about people and honestly feels their pain. I hurt and she helped me to not hurt. I needed help and she knew what I needed and made it happen so I could heal. She is a special Human Being and I was blessed by having her look after me. Thank you Davra -- I'll never forget you.
Note: This is Davra's 2nd DAISY Award!