I was assigned to Jordan on my second visit to the ICU. When assigned I was bleeding internally and a decision had been made to start a procedure on me to tie off blood vessels. As we awaited an operation room and surgical personnel on a weekend, Jordan kept me comfortable, clean, and somewhat relaxed. Jordan was assigned to accompany me on this "road trip" and from my bed, I could see that Jordan was paying very close attention to instructions on what needed to be done. What should be done and she constantly asked and answered questions on what was about to happen. I felt very comfortable I was in the hands of two very capable professionals. I was awake but drugged during the procedure until it was over. When I again got dizzy and passed out, I was later told it was Jordan who sounded the alarm and got a cast of many involved in keeping me alive. I awoke in the ICU on a respirator and saw that Jordan was my primary nurse. This pleased me. Fast forward a few days later when I relapsed while in step down and was rushed to ICU to await surgery. Again I was assigned to Jordan which I vaguely remember as reassuring.
Jordan was soft-spoken, very reassuring with requirements and requests of me. I started learning more about her and she did the same for me and my family. Following surgery, I was again assigned to Jordan and once the respirator was removed Jordan and I got to spend many minutes every day learning to understand and respect each other. I looked forward every day to her arrival in the ICU and our daily dealings.
She was strict but kind at the same time. There was no question for me that she was either a new nurse or one who just finished ICU training. That bothered me none. She treated me and my family with care and respect she helped make me stronger, and I had full respect for this young lady.
Since my discharge, I think of her often. I look forward to someday being able to just talk to her about our experiences during those many days. After all, while I struggled to survive she was by my side helping me get there and she remembers much more than I do.
I have unquestionable respect for Jordan. In my mind, she is as much a friend and family as a caregiver.