maureen merullo, RN, BSN, CEN

I arrived at the emergency room after a fall. I was in a great amount of pain and distress. I was afraid I had broken ribs and had a pulmonary contusion. Maureen immediately acknowledged my fears and pain, making me feel safe and as comfortable as I could be. Maureen calmed my husband, explaining all the procedures that would be done to evaluate my condition.
Knowing that as a nurse I was assuming the worst-case scenarios, Maureen patiently explained everything to me, not assuming I knew what was happening, but rather educating with calm compassion that made me know that she would take care of me and all would be well.
Maureen obtained an order for pain meds as soon as possible and made every effort to lesson my pain. Seeing my husband's concern at my distress, Maureen took the time to talk with him, discussing how hard it must be for him to see me in pain. Maureen's calm presence cared for us both.
When my x-ray results returned, Maureen explained them and the need for me to follow-up with my primary provider. Even though nothing was broken, she acknowledged the degree of my pain and advocated for the ER physician to prescribe toradol to help relieve the acute pain of my fall.
As a nurse myself, I have high standards of what I expect from a caregiver for my family and me. Maureen exceeded my expectations! I am proud to call her a colleague and I am blessed that she was on the day I needed a nurse- she was the kind of nurse I needed!