Soldiers are trained to feel that they are invincible. Extensive training and physical exertion are meant to toughen the soul and the body with the goal of making the soldier ready to defend his country against the enemy. That may look good on paper, sound good to the ear, nurture the fighting spirit, and build comradery, but in the end, it has the tendency to wreck the body—at least it did mine. I reached the point where it was too much to go to the VA Hospital, even with assistance. I applied for and graciously received authorization for a monthly visit by a nurse from Home Health Care. I am truly grateful for this service and doubly grateful for the nurse, Ms. Karen Kidney who is assigned to my care. With less reason to leave the house, my world grew smaller. Thankfully, Karen entered my world and has truly made a difference.
As soon as Karen comes in the door, I can tell she does a quick visual assessment of me. She can tell what frame of mind I'm in and whether I've slept well the night before. Amazingly, Karen remembers conversations from her last visit, she remembers what concerns I had and what concerns she had with my care. I answer her questions as best I can and I'm sure there are times that I may repeat some of my stories, yet she patiently listens and is interested in what I have to say. Thankfully, I don't feel rushed nor does Karen act rushed, as if she must get to another appointment. She truly makes you feel that you're the only patient she has, or at least the only patient that day.
Karen does an admirable job of checking my medications to see if they need refilling and places the orders as necessary. She compares what new medications I have with what I'm already taking, and if she has questions, she doesn't hesitate to contact my doctor for confirmation and/or clarification. Karen makes sure that I know what I'm taking, how much, and why the medication was prescribed, to begin with. Admittedly, I'm not overly enthused with all the meds I must take, but it's easier coping with it when I understand why I'm taking them. Karen also does a great job of giving shots and taking blood samples along with whatever other nursing duties are needed.
At the end of her visit, she reviews my list of medications and upcoming scheduled appointments and makes sure that her next monthly visit is on the calendar. She also encourages me to contact her during the month if I need anything.
Bottom line - I couldn't ask for a better nurse. I find myself more relaxed while she is here and after she leaves. I can't just pick up and go to the Medical Center as needed, but I can call Karen if I need to, and that's encouraging enough.
Thank you, VA for your service to veterans. Thank you, for the Home Health Care Program. And thank you for hiring Ms. Karen Kidney - she truly is an asset to your mission. She is a true DAISY Nurse.