Megan McKay
August 2022
Megan
McKay
,
RN
Oncology
Memorial Health System
Gulfport
,
MS
United States
Megan proved to be my biggest advocate, my over-the-top of it caregiver, and my friend. She sat with me as I cried, laughed, relished in the small victories, and sympathized in the times I felt defeated.
My husband went to his chemo treatment. After seeing the doctor, he was admitted because of dehydration and being unable to eat, by this time it was 8 days without food. This is where he met Megan, RN. She showed so much compassion and was attentive to his needs, constantly! I know she had other patients because I saw her working in other rooms, but she always seemed to be right where we needed her when we needed her. Megan made sure we understood what was going on and repeated the question, “Are there any other questions you have?/Do you need anything?” We never felt forgotten or like we were interrupting any schedule or taking her away from something. My few simple words are not doing justice to Megan and her team, but I need someone to know we think Megan and her team are outstanding. I hope my husband never has to visit the hospital again, but should it happen, I know without a shadow of a doubt whom I want to be at my husband’s side getting him through the rough patch.
***
I was admitted to the hospital and was promptly diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia at 42 years old. As you can imagine, this was an overwhelming diagnosis, and I was extremely scared. The following morning when shift change occurred, I was introduced to this young, bubbly, vivacious nurse named Megan. My first impression was that I needed some of her coffee because she was so happy and full of life, and everyone knows nurses live off of coffee and the occasional snack when time permits. However, throughout the day and throughout the rest of my stay, Megan proved to be my biggest advocate, my over-the-top of it caregiver, and my friend. She sat with me as I cried, laughed, relished in the small victories, and sympathized in the times I felt defeated. When I reached my neutropenic period during my induction chemo, she vigilantly stood guard at my door when she was not with another patient to ensure that no person or thing entered my room that could compromise my returning home to my 11-year-old autistic son. She knew I am a single mom and that he is my world and she vowed to me to do anything in her power to get me home to him. She followed through with that promise daily. She is the perfect example of what every young nurse should aspire to be. It is so much easier to get a degree in nursing than it is to be a phenomenal nurse and Megan is indeed phenomenal.
In closing, I believe that Megan should be recognized by your facility because there is no doubt in my mind, that without her, I would not be here right now to sing her praises. Every unit of every hospital should have an amazing nurse like her and should be valued in every way possible because she is part of a dwindling group of people that are the heartbeat of the health care industry.
***
I was admitted to the hospital and was promptly diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia at 42 years old. As you can imagine, this was an overwhelming diagnosis, and I was extremely scared. The following morning when shift change occurred, I was introduced to this young, bubbly, vivacious nurse named Megan. My first impression was that I needed some of her coffee because she was so happy and full of life, and everyone knows nurses live off of coffee and the occasional snack when time permits. However, throughout the day and throughout the rest of my stay, Megan proved to be my biggest advocate, my over-the-top of it caregiver, and my friend. She sat with me as I cried, laughed, relished in the small victories, and sympathized in the times I felt defeated. When I reached my neutropenic period during my induction chemo, she vigilantly stood guard at my door when she was not with another patient to ensure that no person or thing entered my room that could compromise my returning home to my 11-year-old autistic son. She knew I am a single mom and that he is my world and she vowed to me to do anything in her power to get me home to him. She followed through with that promise daily. She is the perfect example of what every young nurse should aspire to be. It is so much easier to get a degree in nursing than it is to be a phenomenal nurse and Megan is indeed phenomenal.
In closing, I believe that Megan should be recognized by your facility because there is no doubt in my mind, that without her, I would not be here right now to sing her praises. Every unit of every hospital should have an amazing nurse like her and should be valued in every way possible because she is part of a dwindling group of people that are the heartbeat of the health care industry.