April 2023
Laxmi
Chhetri
,
RN
Trauma | Ortho | Plastics | Burns
Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas
Austin
,
TX
United States
He encouraged me to talk through my feelings, and he listened intently
During my recent hospitalization at Dell Seton Medical Center, I was fortunate to have Laxmi assigned as my night nurse. In addition to his excellent nursing skills, he demonstrated great compassion and empathy. In everything he did for me, he went the extra mile! During my last night prior to discharge, I was having anxiety about being released the following day and how I would manage things at home. I am 79 years old and had suffered a neck fracture from a fall and was now labeled a fall risk due to my ongoing orthostatic hypotension. He kept checking on me throughout the night and at 2:30 am, he actually pulled up a chair next to my bed and sat with me, asking me what was bothering me. I expressed worry about being released from the hospital because it felt premature, especially since I live alone. He encouraged me to talk through my feelings, and he listened intently, reassuring me that my family would manage my home care and that my only job was to heal and get stronger. He really helped put things in perspective for me and put my mind at ease. He also took great care to situate me in a comfortable position in the bed and gave me such peace of mind that I was finally able to fall asleep. In addition, he streamlined my overnight tests and checks to allow for less sleep interruption. Laxmi continued to look in on me throughout the remainder of the night, sitting just outside my door and routinely peeking through the blinds. Laxmi’s gentle way and calm demeanor demonstrated what an exceptional nurse is. He made me feel like I was his only patient when I know he had several more to care for, and in that moment, it was like my well-being was all that mattered. He made an invaluable difference in my hospital stay and in my outlook and confidence coming home. Laxmi is one of a kind!