Miriam Smith
April 2020
Miriam
Smith
,
RN
Cardiac Specialties Unit
Parkwest Medical Center
Knoxville
,
TN
United States
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." -Albert Schweitzer
I am a sixty-six-year-old female who has been in generally good health all of my life. So it was with much surprise and concern I found myself being admitted through the emergency department to Parkwest Medical Center in December with heart problems. Unfamiliar discussions, procedures, and medications soon filled my hours and days. By the third day of my stay, I was becoming discouraged.
It was at this time that Miriam became my nurse. I soon realized she was knowledgeable, confident, and caring. After a few discussions, I felt that she would be an advocate for me during my hospital stay. She would be my advocate when I could not, either through lack of my knowledge or resolve. I found her to be truthful and gave clear explanations. I believed I could trust her to do what was in my best interest as a patient. When I spent one day waiting for an unscheduled procedure she made repeated phone calls to see where I was on the schedule and reported back to me. While this procedure was rescheduled for the following day it was not due to a lack of effort on her part. In the midst of my confusion and questions, she brightened my day and gave me hope.
Besides being my healthcare advocate she went out of her way to see my other needs were met. After having fasted all day for the postponed procedure she made the special effort to make sure I had some yogurt and granola that I had requested to eat at the evening meal. She also personally changed my hospital bedding when I asked for clean linens. When it was time for a shift change she and the nurse coming on duty came into my room and Miriam made sure she gave a thorough report. Whenever she entered my room she was cheerful and energetic making it clear she was ready to be my nurse.
Miriam was there to help me find my way. It is with much gratitude that I thank Miriam for rekindling my light when it was needed most.
I am a sixty-six-year-old female who has been in generally good health all of my life. So it was with much surprise and concern I found myself being admitted through the emergency department to Parkwest Medical Center in December with heart problems. Unfamiliar discussions, procedures, and medications soon filled my hours and days. By the third day of my stay, I was becoming discouraged.
It was at this time that Miriam became my nurse. I soon realized she was knowledgeable, confident, and caring. After a few discussions, I felt that she would be an advocate for me during my hospital stay. She would be my advocate when I could not, either through lack of my knowledge or resolve. I found her to be truthful and gave clear explanations. I believed I could trust her to do what was in my best interest as a patient. When I spent one day waiting for an unscheduled procedure she made repeated phone calls to see where I was on the schedule and reported back to me. While this procedure was rescheduled for the following day it was not due to a lack of effort on her part. In the midst of my confusion and questions, she brightened my day and gave me hope.
Besides being my healthcare advocate she went out of her way to see my other needs were met. After having fasted all day for the postponed procedure she made the special effort to make sure I had some yogurt and granola that I had requested to eat at the evening meal. She also personally changed my hospital bedding when I asked for clean linens. When it was time for a shift change she and the nurse coming on duty came into my room and Miriam made sure she gave a thorough report. Whenever she entered my room she was cheerful and energetic making it clear she was ready to be my nurse.
Miriam was there to help me find my way. It is with much gratitude that I thank Miriam for rekindling my light when it was needed most.