Karen provided an unprecedented unrivaled level of care during my cardiac CT in January. Unfortunately, I have claustrophobia so any healthcare professional who has the task of having me in a small space has her hands full.
Karen was amazingly supportive and calming. I thought I was doing well until there was a hospital fire drill and my door was closed and locked (due to medications and other safety concerns). Karen continued to reassure me and was a continually calming presence. Next, I developed some fear around being in the CT scanner. Karen offered medication to calm me, but I would need to have a ride home. I had our only "snow car" for our family and my husband was home without a reliable car with which to drive. It was a snowy day in Bellevue, and most people were staying home.
Karen accompanied me into my procedure. I opted to try without medication. She stayed with me the entire time, reassuring me in her wonderful Australian voice, and stroking my forehead. I could not have done it without her!