My family and I were out walking our dogs in a wooded area when I had the unfortunate accident of having a stick penetrate through my boot into my foot. Initially, I was in shock that this could have even happened, but then came to the quick realization that it did and I needed my husband to call an ambulance. After the ambulance was able to reach me and they asked what hospital I wanted to go to, there was no hesitation and I stated, "Lakeland Medical Center." I had worked there previously as a nurse and I knew that I would be in good hands there. As we rolled into the Emergency Department, I was directed to the "trauma room" (as I knew it before). As I looked around I didn't see anyone that I had previously worked with, but then as I was getting settled into the cart, I saw a familiar face, Karin. My nerves were still rattled, but Karin made them seem minimal. From the time I rolled in, everyone was so sweet and kind, making sure my pain was under control and that my sister and husband were there for me. I believe that there was a student nurse holding my hand at one time to help my sister keep me calm. Karin's voice was soothing through the attempt to cut off my boot. When the decision was made to give me conscious sedation, Karin was on it, ready to push the medication as soon as the doctor was ready. She sat there, with her hand on my shoulder telling me it was going to be fine and pushed the medication. I don't remember much after that, but my sister said at one time my oxygen stats dropped, and Karin talked me through it and they came back up.
Each and everyone one of the staff members hold a special place in my heart. As a nurse, one doesn't think something traumatic will happen to them, but that day it happened to me. The ER staff made that day less traumatic and treated me like one of their own family members. And that is what sets this team apart from others. Thank you all for being my extended family that day and helping make my traumatic day easier to handle.