My father was recently admitted to CDH for spinal surgery. This week had been similar to what I expected until my father started complaining of pain in his chest when he was breathing in. I had talked with Kaitlyn about this, and my concern for potential complications, so we discussed this with the Internal Medicine Physician on his case. After some tests were ordered and completed, a transport member came into the room asking to take my dad to an ultrasound. At this time Kaitlyn came in the room and explained that the physician had ordered more tests, but that she had requested the physician to come speak with my dad/our family directly. Being a nurse myself, I knew this meant that there was something noted on the CT scan, and it was something significant enough that she couldn't say. She made my parents extremely comfortable during the time waiting for the doctor to come back and was an excellent advocate for our family by asking that he come to speak to us directly prior to sending my dad out for more scans. It was discovered that my dad had a pulmonary embolism and would need more scans, and another level of treatment we never expected.
Kaitlyn could tell this was a difficult day for us and was a wonderful nurse for my dad in his time of pain and stress. She contacted music therapy to come to see my dad later that day to help with pain control and stress as we were having difficulties controlling his breakthrough pain. The music therapy made an incredible difference in his mood that day and his pain level. My family was extremely grateful for all that Kaitlyn did to go above and beyond for us. She knew I was a nurse and was very straight forward with me, but also took my opinion and questions into account when my dad wasn't able to voice all of his concerns well.
I am thankful for the respect and kindness she showed not only her patient but his entire family. She has even checked in with us on later days in the hospital when we were still on the unit, even when she wasn't his nurse. I will say we were very impressed with the care we received here overall, but I do truly want to extend an extra thank you to Kaitlyn for making one of the hardest days my dad had there, a lot more comfortable. It really made a big difference for all of us that day, and for the rest of our stay.
Note: This is Kaitlyn's 2nd DAISY Award!