I was admitted to the Emergency Department for chest pain and was richly blessed to have Kirsten Schaub assigned as my ER RN. From the minute she entered the room until she discharged me hours later, Kirsten's gentle, kind reassuring tone of voice, deep compassion and sweet demeanor kept me calm and positive in a very stressful situation. Her professional, fluid and respectful interactions with my doctor and her other team members gave me and my husband blessed assurance that everything was being handled efficiently and correctly in a timely manner.
Kirsten's a great team leader. We appreciated Kirsten's timely updates about blood results and where we were in the evaluation process. Kirsten held my hand and prayed with me. She made sure my husband had hot coffee and answered the many questions of a nervous husband, especially about the new blood pressure medication that I'd started recently.
My discharge orders - echoing the doctor's - that Kirsten shared about no exertion until I have a stress test at my cardiologist's office, helped me more clearly understand why I shouldn't return to The Y for warm water and chair aerobics classes, which I've come to love since I recently retired. My disappointment was overshadowed by Kirsten's rational reasons delivered in a kind, loving way along with a big hug before I left the ED.
That educational piece was critical, given with words of wisdom and hand movements demonstrating blood flow and blockages so I won't make bad choices this week. She's a great asset and true blessing to your team!