Ian Cairns
January 2022
Ian
Cairns
,
RN
Surgical
UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital
Fort Collins
,
CO
United States

 

 

 

Ian never challenged me or made me feel "less than" and believed me when I said I was in pain.
Ian was my nurse overnight. He asked me some questions about my laptop (a general production PC), which led to us discussing virtual reality, the measures, and what a "killer app" for UR might look like. The topic is of immense interest to me and we immediately related to one another and his time spent with me during COVID when visitors are so limited was greatly appreciated! Later that night, I had explained to Ian that my ostomy bag nearly blew out when I ate lactose. He worked with me to develop and identify a meal plan that might work for me, and led me on a path of true healing and recovery.

Lastly, later that morning, at the end of his shift, my ostomy bag started leaking and needed replacement. Ian not only lent an ample hand, but he also stayed very cool under pressure while my stoma was inflamed by the food I had eaten (not realizing until that point I had a lactose intolerance). He never challenged me or made me feel "less than" and believed me when I said I was in pain. It turns out the pain was exacerbated by an improperly fitted ostomy pouch that was leaving digestive stomach acid on my skin. When It was relieved later that morning with a convex appliance, it was the first time in about 1-2 weeks I was out of pain!

All of this is just to say I believe in Ian, PVH and UCHealth have identified a uniquely, compassionate, overwhelmingly talented individual whose priorities are solely rested on improving patient outcomes and care. Without his help and (looking for a better term) brilliance I do not think I would have recovered as quickly and fully. Thank you, Ian!