Lisa was excellent in so many ways. Lisa was my 12 year old daughter's nurse for 10 hours following a routine foot surgery, one she had already had on her other foot the year before. As soon as we entered recovery, we realized this surgery was quite different than the year before. Our daughter was in tremendous pain and was not responding well to the narcotics in her system. Lisa showed her excellence immediately by taking care of her needs, soothing her and keeping us properly informed. Our daughter asked for Lisa constantly throughout her week long stay. If she was in pain or scared, she would cry, "I just want Lisa." After a visit from her days later, she was still heavily medicated said when looking at her signed cast, "She has good handwriting too. She's perfect!" Our daughter will never forget her soothing words, "All good things. All good things." Lisa was our "Good Thing" throughout this experience. We are forever grateful for the care she gave us in recovery and her visits throughout our stay.
By the time we reached our daughter, it was clear Lisa had her respect. Lisa listened to her, responded to her needs and justified what she was feeling. She taught her relaxation techniques that she would respond to even when she was sitting up screaming in pain. She literally did not leave her side except to scarf down a long overdue lunch. As parents, she addressed us by explaining what she was monitoring, what was normal or not, and recognized our concerns.
Lisa educated our daughter on how to manage her pain through a pain pump and through self-help. Our daughter was opposed to using the pain pump. She did not want the responsibility of this. It was too overwhelming for her. Lisa explained how to use it, that she would help her and that she could not give herself too much. In addition, she taught her several techniques to help with the pain that she continued to use throughout her stay. Lisa educated us on the medications they were using. She also helped us understand what was happening with her heart rate and oxygen levels.
Lisa was without a doubt an advocate for our family. She called in pain management to offer assistance; she insisted on speaking with our surgeon when he was difficult to reach, she became our voice. We are beyond thankful that Lisa kept us in recovery and assisted us through the entire day. Throughout this process she spoke with us about what was happening.
Lisa made us feel comfortable from start to finish. She gave us honest feedback about what was happening with our daughter but also provided us with a reassurance plan. She made us understand things were not good but that it was going to be ok. Simply put she made us feel comfortable because she genuinely cared. She was our silver lining to a long, dark day.