I am an experienced PeriOp RN of 41 years who had major surgery in March. This surgery took place during the time the hospital was restricting visitors due to the coronavirus scare. I am normally a strong person, but I woke in a lot of pain and very scared that I would be sent to the floor to be alone in my room. I asked if one of my RN friends could be my private duty nurse in my room on the floor, but I learned that no one could be with me in the room.
Arriving at the room after 9 pm that night all of my fears were dispelled when I met my nurse, Liessa Johnson. She was very warm and compassionate. I reached for her hand and she felt comfortable holding my hand. Liessa told me that she would make sure I was comfortable from the pain and that she would take great care of me. Throughout the night Liessa took vital signs on me every hour and made sure I was using my PCA pump as needed.
At one point in the night, she did my unit admission that entailed many questions regarding my mental health status due to my diagnosis. I cried through some of the questions and she was so warm and compassionate allowing me to express some fears that I had not yet spoken aloud. I had Liessa care for me 2 of the 3 nights that I was in the hospital.
On the 3rd night, she served as charge RN and was not assigned to my care. Prior to leaving the hospital the next morning, she made a point to come in and check on my progress and to tell me goodbye. I was so grateful to be able to thank her for the care that went well beyond what was expected. She made a very scary and difficult time in my life so much better. I will never forget her or her wonderful care.