Martha Dewane
February 2022
Martha
Dewane
,
RN
OB High Risk
Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown
Nashville
,
TN
United States
I thought I wasn’t going to make it because the doctors seemed so unsure of my situation but Martha constantly encouraged me and ensured me that I would walk out of the hospital better than I came in it.
I was admitted into St. Thomas Midtown in January for an induction of my baby girl. After over 30 hours of labor I delivered her 2 days later, and was discharged that Monday. Due to some intense aches, vomiting, and fatigue I went back to the hospital, and came to the emergency department for further evaluation. This was only 24 hours after being discharged. I ended up being readmitted due to a serious infection that was attacking my white blood cells, elevated heart rate, and blood pressure as well as a fever over 100. My case was deemed high risk due to the severity of the decline in my health only days after delivering my baby, and several doctors were assigned my case to be able to figure out how to stabilize my severe symptoms.
During my stay the first few days were extremely emotional because I was having several tests run on me, I was a new mom trying to breastfeed, and I was constantly being told no one could figure out what was causing me to be so sick and weak. My emotions were a train wreck, and my boyfriend as well as I were constantly being told that they were working around the clock to figure things out.
After about three days I had a traumatic experience with one of the nurses that left me in tears, and at this point the next nurse on duty could see the look of concern on my face. I disclosed to her my experience, and she assured me that she would do everything in her power to make sure it would be handled. The following morning I was introduced to Ms. Martha. She moved me to a bigger room, and while this may seem small it was huge considering me, my boyfriend, and our newborn were initially in a room so small that they barely had room to get my vitals.
She introduced herself to me and let me know that she was going to make sure I had EVERYTHING I needed for the remainder of my stay. I was hospitalized for two weeks and she saved my life. She put together a care team that made me feel the compassion and love I needed during the tough and stressful time my family endured. She cared for and loved me as if she knew me her whole life. I felt like more than a patient but like family. She embodied to me what it means to be there for people in a dark place. I thought I wasn’t going to make it because the doctors seemed so unsure of my situation but she constantly encouraged me and ensured me that I would walk out of the hospital better than I came in it. She made it her mission to make sure I had nothing to worry about.
She and another nurse were like a dynamic duo and they are the reason that if anyone asked me about St.Thomas Midtown I can say that it’s an amazing hospital. I have tears in my eyes as type because no amount of words feel like they could explain the gratitude I have for her and what she did for me. I’m typing this almost a year later and the emotions still feel as strong as they did the day she told me I’d be able to go home. I hope whoever reads this can feel chills as they read my story because it’s people like Ms.Martha who are the reason that patients like me feel safe and secure in the hands of doctors and nurses. Caring for a patient is one thing but caring ABOUT them is completely different and I’m so grateful for her.
During my stay the first few days were extremely emotional because I was having several tests run on me, I was a new mom trying to breastfeed, and I was constantly being told no one could figure out what was causing me to be so sick and weak. My emotions were a train wreck, and my boyfriend as well as I were constantly being told that they were working around the clock to figure things out.
After about three days I had a traumatic experience with one of the nurses that left me in tears, and at this point the next nurse on duty could see the look of concern on my face. I disclosed to her my experience, and she assured me that she would do everything in her power to make sure it would be handled. The following morning I was introduced to Ms. Martha. She moved me to a bigger room, and while this may seem small it was huge considering me, my boyfriend, and our newborn were initially in a room so small that they barely had room to get my vitals.
She introduced herself to me and let me know that she was going to make sure I had EVERYTHING I needed for the remainder of my stay. I was hospitalized for two weeks and she saved my life. She put together a care team that made me feel the compassion and love I needed during the tough and stressful time my family endured. She cared for and loved me as if she knew me her whole life. I felt like more than a patient but like family. She embodied to me what it means to be there for people in a dark place. I thought I wasn’t going to make it because the doctors seemed so unsure of my situation but she constantly encouraged me and ensured me that I would walk out of the hospital better than I came in it. She made it her mission to make sure I had nothing to worry about.
She and another nurse were like a dynamic duo and they are the reason that if anyone asked me about St.Thomas Midtown I can say that it’s an amazing hospital. I have tears in my eyes as type because no amount of words feel like they could explain the gratitude I have for her and what she did for me. I’m typing this almost a year later and the emotions still feel as strong as they did the day she told me I’d be able to go home. I hope whoever reads this can feel chills as they read my story because it’s people like Ms.Martha who are the reason that patients like me feel safe and secure in the hands of doctors and nurses. Caring for a patient is one thing but caring ABOUT them is completely different and I’m so grateful for her.