Being in healthcare, we see a lot of pain, suffering, healing, and the power of human touch. As healthcare providers, sometimes we become immune to the scariness, vulnerability, and fear of "what we do and perform" in the ER or in a hospital bed. To some children visits to a doctor's office are frightening and unpleasant with high emotions and big crocodile tears. So imagine being a 13 year old and being afraid of shots compounded with being in the ER to get these needed vaccines; can you SCARY?
Our daughter's nurse, Michelle, came into our exam room with a calm and soothing voice, made eye contact with her, and started to ask her about her stuffed animal she was clutching. These few gestures on this nurse's part made a huge difference in how our daughter would feel with getting shots today. This nurse took the time to her to know our teenager to ask questions, and reassure her about the next steps in her treatment.
The skill of this nurse was evident, through information taking, her work in the ER, her collaboration with the doctors, and ease of medication administration as she swiftly moved in and out of our room. Her compassionate demeanor and ability to connect with our daughter were also evident. After the shots were given, our daughter bear-hugged her nurse. At that moment I knew how very special this person was to our daughter. The impact of her caring attitude; gaining trust by our daughter. My eyes welted up and I felt humbled and proud to know this nurse. She made a friend for life by being present, building a relationship, effectively communicating what she was going to do and showed compassion. That hug was healing for our daughter; a positive exchange of emotions, caring and expression of thanks. Excellent care was delivered with empathy and caring for the whole person.