Mary Hartley, RN, CEN

My brother came into the ER unable to breathe on his own. He had had a respiratory arrest while en route to the ER and was being bag breathed by the paramedics in the squad. On arrival, an endotracheal tube was quickly inserted and he was placed on a ventilator. Everyone while in ER was great but Mary was outstanding! Even though she was extremely busy with providing the critical care my brother required she managed to remember that my sister and I were there. We were allowed to stay with him and she positioned us so that we could be near but not obstructing the care he needed. She worked quickly and efficiently processing orders, drawing blood samples, and making good nursing judgments all while keeping us informed and explaining things as she worked.

A great challenge was to maintain his B.P. She kept doctors informed and acted quickly on their orders. We loved the fact that when we said, “We believe in prayer” she said, “So do we”. We knew with God and Mary our brother was in good hands. He is still in hospital and the prognosis looks good at present.

We thank God for nurses like Mary. I don’t know how she worked so hard for so long but she never slowed down. Thank you Mary and Thank you, God!