My daughter took me to the emergency room thinking I was suffering from symptoms of congestive heart failure. While in the ER, a COVID-19 test was done. Since I had been wearing my mask and practicing social distancing, I was sure I would test negative. When the results were received and I was positive, I and my daughter were devastated. The nurse went on to tell my daughter, who is my caregiver and spokesperson, that she had to leave and would not be able to be with me when I was taken to my room.
Since she goes with me to my doctor appointments as well as dispensing my medicine at home and now I have no one to speak for me, this added to my devastation. I was taken up to the floor where I had no contact with anyone with whom I was familiar. By divine providence, a young nurse, Joe Nickerson, was assigned to provide my care and he recognized how afraid and devastated I was. He immediately began to try to comfort me and instructed me on what I must do myself to get better. For three days, he helped me, and I was able to be discharged and return home.
To be honest, when I was admitted I did not expect to leave the hospital alive. I believe I was able to do this because of Joe's kindness and understanding of how fearful I was of dying there. He helped me to gain the courage in what I could do. I have never met a nurse I feel is as much of an asset to a facility as I feel Joe is to the hospital there.