Elizabeth was my mom's primary nurse for two nights. Mom had been in a hospital bed for five weeks and had several great caretakers throughout her challenging battle with health issues.
Mom had a rough day as she was readmitted back into the hospital from rehabilitation as she had started vomiting blood and was extremely nauseated. Once on duty that evening, Elizabeth spoke kindly and sweetly with a soft and helpful voice. She was a true advocate of my mom as she continually checked on her, even contacting the doctor to get extra nausea meds ordered so she could keep my mom on a scheduled rotation of meds to keep her from becoming nauseated. She even took vitals for a period during the night every half hour as she was concerned with the numbers. I continually heard "thank you" being voiced toward her coworkers as they helped her with a variety of tasks. She always explained to Mom and me what care she was giving and kept me up to date. I often heard, "What else can I do for you?" directed to my mom first and then to myself. I know this special care happened throughout Elizabeth's twelve hour shift that evening. She tried so hard not to wake me throughout the night. It was a scary time for our family. The kindness Elizabeth showed was comforting not only to my mom but to myself as well.
The first evening was just the beginning. It was a relief to see Elizabeth back caring for my mom on the second night of her stay. The joy she had on her face at the beginning of her shift when she saw how much better my mom looked was so sweet! That night my mom wanted me to stay again but Elizabeth knelt beside my mom and sweetly explained how she would take notes if any doctor visited to alleviate Mom's fear that she may forget important information. Elizabeth was not only an advocate for my mom at that point, but realized I needed more rest and was being my advocate as well.
The following morning when our family arrived, we found a sweet handwritten note from Elizabeth and the night nurses. They personalized it with a fun quote Mom often shared throughout the night when her IV pump would "start screaming." In addition, the room smelled great as a couple of peppermint diffusers were placed around the room.
I can't say enough about all the staff here at Saint Mary's. We have gotten to know many throughout the time Mom spent on different floors. My daughter is a nurse and I never truly knew until I witnessed the degree of compassion and development of personal relationships it now takes to be an amazing nurse. I was told Elizabeth has only been a nurse for nine months and what a wonderful nurse she was to my mom! I can't imagine how many others she has given great care to by helping calm and put them at ease. Any future patients will be blessed to have her as their nurse as I am positive, she will impact the lives of many other individuals and families!
Mom's whiteboard read "Beautiful Barb" (name changed) that second morning. I would like to send Elizabeth a sign that says, "Exceptional Elizabeth." Please extend our thanks to Elizabeth as she was exceptional and really pulled on our heartstrings! We were truly blessed by her being my mom's nurse.