I deal with complaints and compliments every single day, but this man's call made me take a moment and to be honest, it made me tear up and still does. This man is successfully fighting cancer and my father is currently losing his long battle with cancer and to hear someone describe the care they received in such a heartfelt and amazing manner made me hope that one day, my father will see such an amazing moment of true compassion. Michelle is not someone that you would normally think of as your typical "sweet" nurse. She is take charge and get it done, which is not a bad thing, but this patient needed strength mixed with compassion. He needed someone who could handle his situation and also show him that he would be fine. Thank goodness that we have people like Michelle, and all of our staff, who care enough to go above and beyond every single day.
J, a patient from 2016, called this month and was apologetic for the delay in his call but wanted to take a minute and describe his situation. He came in the ED less than a month after having part of his lung removed due to new-onset cancer. His doctor warned him that in some cases, Atrial Fibrillation could occur and that is what was happening to him. He described being scared and unsure of what was to come. He has family in the medical field and even in our organization, so he knew about some of the treatment but once he was given his first dose of adenosine to slow his heart rate to see what the underlying rhythm was, he described being so scared. He described it as one of the scariest moments of his life. When they told him that they would have to administer a second dose to keep his heart rate lower, he states that even though there were people everywhere, he felt as though he was reaching out for anyone or anything to hold onto. He said he felt in some way blessed to have felt this feeling because of what happened next. He said that one of the ED nurses came to him from amidst the confusion he was feeling and grabbed his hand and explained to him what was happening and that she would be right there with him. He said that in that moment he knew he would be alright, he felt the strength that he was lacking and needing at that very moment. He said that small gesture was a moment he will never forget. This is what caring looks like!
Sometimes it is easy for us to forget that even though we are actively doing things that must be done to keep someone alive, they are watching, they are feeling, and they are hurting. It is during these little moments that we are able to see the best of our teammates. These moments of pure compassion are the ones that improve health, elevate hope and advance healing for all.