Recently, I spoke with the patient and his wife. They wanted to recognize Lori Bighems as an Extraordinary Nurse. She had gone above and beyond for them and had been so compassionate. Mrs. W went on to describe how she and Lori met. She told me that she and her daughter had gone to Chappy's and they saw this nurse ordering her food and she was smiling and singing.
She asked the nurse if she was coming or going and the nurse stated that she was just coming in. At that moment, the nurse, who happened to be Lori asked the pair if they were okay. Mrs. W explained to Lori that her husband had been in an accident, broken his hip and was scheduled for surgery the next day. She talked to Lori about her concerns because his previous accident left him paralyzed for 6 months. They were rightfully scared and she said Lori was truly their angel.
Lori reassured Mrs. W and her daughter that their husband and father were in the best hands and then she offered to pray with them. Lori said to them, "God will take care of you" and this meant so much to them. The next day Mr. W went to surgery and was then transferred to 3 South. That night Lori was assigned to Mr. W not knowing it was the family she saw at Chappy's and had comforted and prayed with.
Mrs. W was so happy to see Lori!! She and her daughter were so anxious and incredibly exhausted having been at the hospital for days. Lori assured them that it was okay to go home and get some rest, that Mr. W would be okay and that she would call if anything changed. The next morning mom and daughter were relieved to get to the unit to find out that dad had a good night and was doing well. Mr. W said that Lori was absolutely amazing and took great care of him.
Mr. W had neurogenic deficits from his previous accident and he was impressed by how professional and conscientious Lori was surrounding that fact. She addressed it in a manner that well exceeded expectations. He explained that as the provider of his family, it meant so much that Lori not only took care of him but his wife and daughter as well. This allowed him to focus solely on his recovery.
Lori is outstanding! She has the ability to connect, empathize and comfort others in the most genuine way. We are grateful for her.