I had surgery for an I&D of a retropharyngeal abscess. During and after the procedure, my blood pressure was very high and my heart rate was fluctuating. I thought I was just having anxiety from the procedure but I let Marisa know that I thought I was having some heart palpitations. She took my idle comment about heart palpitations seriously and immediately did a thorough assessment of me.

Quickly after, she called an ICU nurse who was at the bedside in minutes to get an EKG and perform other tests/orders. I was amazed at how quickly Marisa acted. I was very, very scared but I do not remember her leaving my bedside. She was so calm throughout the entire process which made me calmer and much more relaxed despite the chest discomfort. Marisa accurately anticipated what needed to be done and was so diligent.

This was my second night having her as my nurse and I was so glad to see her walk through the door because I knew I would be well taken care of. I’ve been a nurse myself for 10 years now. There are things I could learn for my own personal practice from Marisa’s professional, thorough bedside manner. I am so thankful for her care and for how well she treated me during a time when I was truly panicking on the inside. I think all of us nurses should strive to be diligent as Marisa. I would let her take care of any of my friends or family (or me again but hopefully I won’t be back in the hospital!) any day!