May 2022
Loretta
Edmonds
,
RN
Interventional Radiology
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston
,
MA
United States
I was scared and anxious and Loretta calmed me down with reassuring words.
I had a kidney biopsy done in the radiology department in March. Loretta Edmonds, took care of me after the biopsy in the recovery area. First Loretta received me very warmly and said that she was waiting for me. I could tell she was smiling behind the mask because of her twinkling eyes. I was scared and anxious and she calmed me down with reassuring words. She explained everything she was doing before doing anything. She explained to me why she was monitoring my blood pressure, pulse, and oxygenation. She diligently checked my bandage and explained why. When it came time to teach the discharge instructions, she patiently answered all my questions and went through the instructions twice to make sure I understood them all. When she removed my IV, she held the pressure for several minutes and talked to me about my family until the bleeding stopped. She held my arm as she led me to the bathroom so I wouldn't trip. Her knowledge and skills were evident. Two other nurses asked her to place a difficult IV that they had tried during the three hours that I was resting, and I saw that she placed it successfully. Then Loretta helped me into the wheelchair. When I was in the wheelchair, she started taking me to my daughter's car. I saw that there were other staff members sitting there and Loretta was very busy. So, I told her: "Why will you take me to the main entrance? Can someone else do it since you are very busy?” She replied, "The other nurse sitting is pregnant, so I'll take you to the main entrance and give them a break.” This comment led me to believe that she was an outstanding nurse who not only cared about the patients assigned to her but also about her peers and co-workers. On the way to the main entrance, I told her that I wanted to give her a tip. She adamantly refused and said that she is not allowed to accept tips. She said that she is doing this because she cares about me and my health. She then helped me into my car and told me to fasten my seat belt. Loretta stood out as a nurse willing to do much more than the minimum amount of work required. I am an Uber driver and Loretta treated me like a distinguished guest. She took care of me with respect and dignity. She patiently explained things to me several times. She had such compassion and empathy. She told me she wanted to care for her patients the way she wanted her parents to be cared for.