My Dad was in the hospital and after I left from my visit, I called to make sure he was doing alright. In the middle of our conversation, he began to have trouble speaking. He wasn't putting words together correctly and seemed to be struggling to find the right words to say. I immediately told him I was hanging up and called the nurse, Kyla. She came to Dad's aid; did an assessment, and told me that the episode had passed and he was doing well. I drove in because I had to actually see him to put my mind at rest. Indeed, he seemed fine and was talking to me normally when I arrived. Kyla waited another 15 minutes and re-assessed, still finding Dad okay. She prepared to leave the room (said she would come back to check on him soon) and told me if I noticed anything at all to call her immediately. Within 30 seconds of her leaving the room, Dad went into what I could only explain as a full-blown stroke. I was terrified. I rang the nurse call button and stepped to the doorway to call out for help. Kyla was already about 8 steps away, heading right for Dad. I was in a complete panic, but Kyla was calm and steady as a rock. She was obviously in her realm as she was doing a neuro assessment, getting a team and the doctor there to assist in record time. And the whole time she was talking to my dad and to me in a calm, reassuring way that even though it was clear this was serious, made us feel better. She explained what was happening, what she was doing, and that the team working on Dad was the best at what they do so we were in the right place.
Miraculously, Dad "came out" of his critical appearance and was able to converse again. He was taken for scans and testing. It was determined that one of Dad's arteries was completely blocked and he would need surgery to clear it. Kyla again was our rock. Facing yet another frightening situation and potential outcome, she was the voice of calm and her confidence was contagious. She stayed with Dad until he was taken back for surgery and continued to check on me and the rest of the family. Dad is doing well now and we are forever grateful to Kyla for her part in that result! We have all been impressed with ALL of the staff we have encountered but we absolutely believe we owe Dad's life to Kyla! Her diligence, quick response, and knowledge saved Dad's life and saved me from emotional collapse. She is the definition of a DAISY Nurse!