I presented to the ER with what I thought was the worst headache of my life that was accompanied by a few other symptoms. Long story short, I thought that I would be treated and then sent right back home. To my immediate shock and surprise, I was told that my Troponin level had doubled, I had an abnormal EKG, and that I needed to go to the Cath lab. I was experiencing a non-STEMI and would need a stent placed. My world turned upside down in a matter of minutes.
Every health care provider that I encountered that day was exceptional; from nurses in the ER to the Physician's Assistant, CT personnel, etc. To say that this was one of the scariest days of my life would be an understatement. I was in an inconsolable amount of pain and in a very vulnerable state. I am 48-years-old with little to no risk factors and this was completely unexpected.
Two nurses arrived to take me to the Cath lab, but I was put on hold because of an emergency that was coming in via EMS. After a short wait, another set of nurses came from the Cath lab to take me for the stent placement. One of those nurses was Emily. I knew Emily because she and I participated in the Nurse Leadership Residency program. I have never worked with Emily in any other capacity and I do not know her on a personal level. I have to say that it was comforting to see a familiar face at this particular time. I truly believe that it was divine intervention that I had been put on hold. I was truly scared and felt extremely out of control.
Emily's entire demeanor, along with her words, told me, "I got you." I am known for my calm personality and calm confidence through emergencies on my own unit. I felt anything but and I let Emily know that I needed her to be direct and to stay with me. I needed that familiar face to let me know that everything was going to be OK.
Emily never left my side. Her and her counterpart explained everything that was getting ready to happen in explicit detail. Everything that I experienced in the Cath lab was exactly as Emily had described to me. She never left my side. She answered every question that I had and made sure that I remained calm and comfortable. Honestly, I do not think that I can adequately convey what it meant to me to have her there that day.
Emily and I had exchanged phone numbers years ago while we were in the residency program, but I do not think we had ever spoken outside of work. She absolutely did not have to do this, but she allowed me to text her and let her know how I was doing after I was discharged from the hospital. I let her know that I was coming back in for another stent placement. She checked in on me prior to the procedure to make sure I did not have any questions or concerns and tried to ease my mind. Again, I was very scared and nervous in very uncharted waters. As luck would have it, Emily was my nurse when I came back in for the procedure. I cannot begin to say what that meant to me. Again, she was professional, kind, competent, and never left my side. Everything about her demeanor that day let me know that I was in good hands. It is hard to put it all down in words, but I know that Emily carried me through some of the scariest moments of my life and I will be eternally grateful.
I do not know if I will ever be able to properly thank her but I, absolutely, know that she is deserving of this DAISY nomination. Baptist is extremely lucky to have her. I was extremely grateful to have her, and I know that the other patients she cares for are receiving the absolute best of the best care.