To be clear, we did not want nor expect to be in the hospital for a week with a joint infection. But we couldn't be more thankful that Madison was a part of my child's Children's Hospital experience. From the beginning of our stay until discharge, I was struck by her poise, confidence, and professionalism. She is young and shared she has only been a nurse for two years. But she carries herself like an experienced, seasoned nurse who understands how to interact with a child. She was consistently kind and always made it a point to explain every procedure to my daughter. Whether it was flushing an IV line or helping her understand what an MRI would sound like.
Madison explained everything in detail which did a world of good in taking the mystery out of being in the hospital, which of course, decreased her fear. My daughter came to Children's Hospital in pain and afraid of what was ahead. She left understanding the nuances of her plan of care and summarizing her stay to her friends by using words like "antibiotics" and "inflammation." And she is eight.
As we drove home I asked my daughter what she thought of being in the hospital for 7 days. Did she mention the pain? No. Did she talk about the scary MRI sounds? No. The awkwardness of the bedpan? Not once. What she said will always stick with me, "Mom, when I grow up, I want to be a nurse; I want to help sick people get better. I want to be like Madison."
So, in 2034 when I watch my daughter walk across a stage and receive her nursing degree, I will be proud. And I will thank Madison back in the summer of 2020, and I will be grateful.