January 2017
Erin
Solada
,
RN, BSN
UPMC Presbyterian CICU
UPMC Presbyterian
Pittsburgh
,
PA
United States
My husband was flown to UPMC from another hospital after he suffered a cardiac arrest in our home. Erin spoke with my son and me and explained in detail what the next few days would hold. She went slowly enough that I could take notes and ask questions along the way. The facts were not sugar coated yet there was positivity in her delivery that assured us to not give up hope. When I told Erin I was not leaving the hospital, she gave me fresh linens and showed me where the waiting room was. We ventured into a strange and wondrous would of medicine. Erin became our interpreter. She was kind and caring and always made time to listen to our questions and address our fears. She would come to us after rounds or when a doctor came through to keep us informed and positive. Each time we looked at it as a victory and our family celebrated each small piece. Miraculously, my husband made the move to the 10th floor. Erin took the time to visit multiple times and follow my husband's progress. Her very presence was a symbol of victory for our family. Erin's professional skills and her kind and caring manner showed us she went above and beyond anything we could have imagined. We are immensely grateful for the incredible care my husband received. Erin was a ray of sunshine in the dark days.