My nephew, Y, was a patient at your hospital. I think it might be helpful for you to know his story. Y has struggled with substance use since he was 15. Y came into the Emergency Room in a delirious state. He was totally disoriented, not responding to direction, and was pulling at the air. My sister, L, received the call that every parent dreads. L is an outstanding mom of four children; three of them are navigating successfully through adulthood. Y is the youngest. Despite L's love, dedication, and unfailing support; Y has made some poor choices.
Y was admitted to your hospital. He received numerous antipsychotics and basically remained the same until he finally cleared on the third day. My sister was with him the entire stay. She knew that his situation was the result of drugs, but everyone was at a loss as to what he had taken. Even the drug dealers were uncertain. Your medical staff worked tirelessly to figure out what Y had taken and how to manage him. They were very professional, excellent with communicating to my sister and were empathetic to both Y and L.
I am writing to you to let you know how proud you should be of the nursing staff that cared for Y. He was up all day and night, climbing out of bed, pulling out his IV, incontinent, incoherent and not responding to redirection. He often required 4-5 nurses to keep him in bed. Your nurses were kind, empathetic, and professional. Most importantly they were non-judgmental. L often was reluctant to use the call button, but each time she needed help they came quickly and with a positive attitude. The nurses included L in Y's care. When the police called the hospital and requested that they are notified when Y was discharged because there was a warrant out for his arrest (driving with an expired license and not showing up for his court date), the nurses informed my sister.
One nurse really stood out from the other outstanding nurses. Kristin worked with Y from 7a-7p for 2 days. She managed a very challenging patient with extreme patience and compassion. For example, Kristin tried desperately to get Y to have a CT Scan; initially, he couldn't keep still, Kristin went with him twice to attempt the scan. Kristin realized that although Y was the patient, his mother needed support. Most importantly, Kristin took the time to listen, support and provide hope to L. Kristin made sure L's questions were answered and that she was not alone. Kristin helped L realize that Y was more than this event and more than his substance use. Kristin told L that Y could heal and go on to have a good life. Kristin gave hope to a very tired and exhausted mom! Please make sure that Kristin knows that she made a difference in both my sister and nephew's life.
After discharge, L took Y to the police station to turn himself in. He went to court the next morning and resolved his legal issues. Y has now moved to another state, has a job, and getting a second chance on life.
Please extend the appreciation of my family to Kristin and the entire team that cared for Y.