November 2020
Pre-op/Same Day RNs/Staff of Main OR
Surgery
Mercy Health - Fairfield Hospital
Fairfield
,
OH
United States
Nicole Smith, Alissa Wechsler, Jaime Elchinger, Leah Campbell, Amanda Spaw, Amy Campbell, Pam Vonderheide, Karen Green, Angie Bermiester, Marlene Blackburn, Kristen Minges & Cindie McElwee.
Throughout the process, the multiple texts, phone calls, cards, and messages have helped me and my family to be lifted up and encouraged.
In healthcare, we use the term “taking care of the caregiver”. This has always been used in situations where we as healthcare workers recognize those in need such as a spouse is taking care of a sick spouse or a daughter/son who are taking care of an elderly parent, or such situations. But we often forget to take care of nurses or other health care workers. But I’m here to tell you that the Pre-op/Same Day nurses in the Main OR have not forgotten this important role. I started working at Mercy Fairfield in April of 2017. When I started, I knew I hit the gold mine of wonderful co-workers, but since that time, I’ve learned I am working with the best nurses and staff around.
Since I have started here, tragedy has struck my family several times over. My father-in-law was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, my brother was diagnosed with stage IV tonsil cancer, I’ve lost several loved ones and had to put my beloved dog down. But in the shadows of all this darkness came the most beautiful lesson of love and caring that was shown by my co-workers.
For example, when my father-in-law was scheduled for an esophagectomy, my co-workers made us a care package. They all signed a tote bag with words of encouragement and filled the bag with games, snacks, magazines, all things to help keep my family occupied while waiting for the long agonizing 9-hour surgery. We were then able to play these games during his weeklong stay in the hospital. Three of the nurses went out of their way to buy gift cards to ensure my family was fed and didn’t have to think about where to get food throughout the process. One of the nurses made meals for my mother and father-in-law to give me a break from having to cook for them.
Throughout the process, the multiple texts, phone calls, cards, and messages have helped me and my family to be lifted up and encouraged. Then, through the deaths of important family members, the cards of sentiment have meant so much to me and my family. Recently, I had to put my 15-year-old dog down one day before burying my husband’s sweet grandfather. It was so hard on me, my husband, and 2 children. Each co-worker reached out and checked on us. There are times like this that you can feel so alone, but not me. I felt like I was being covered in love and prayer all while we went through this hard time. My family adopted a quote to get us through these times, “You are Not Alone”. My co-workers have adopted this as well and often times will text me and remind me that I am not alone. Some people have to go to work and just have very superficial relationships with their co-workers. When I come to work, I’m working with family.
These nurses and staff make me want to be a better person and be there for them in times of need as well.
Since I have started here, tragedy has struck my family several times over. My father-in-law was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, my brother was diagnosed with stage IV tonsil cancer, I’ve lost several loved ones and had to put my beloved dog down. But in the shadows of all this darkness came the most beautiful lesson of love and caring that was shown by my co-workers.
For example, when my father-in-law was scheduled for an esophagectomy, my co-workers made us a care package. They all signed a tote bag with words of encouragement and filled the bag with games, snacks, magazines, all things to help keep my family occupied while waiting for the long agonizing 9-hour surgery. We were then able to play these games during his weeklong stay in the hospital. Three of the nurses went out of their way to buy gift cards to ensure my family was fed and didn’t have to think about where to get food throughout the process. One of the nurses made meals for my mother and father-in-law to give me a break from having to cook for them.
Throughout the process, the multiple texts, phone calls, cards, and messages have helped me and my family to be lifted up and encouraged. Then, through the deaths of important family members, the cards of sentiment have meant so much to me and my family. Recently, I had to put my 15-year-old dog down one day before burying my husband’s sweet grandfather. It was so hard on me, my husband, and 2 children. Each co-worker reached out and checked on us. There are times like this that you can feel so alone, but not me. I felt like I was being covered in love and prayer all while we went through this hard time. My family adopted a quote to get us through these times, “You are Not Alone”. My co-workers have adopted this as well and often times will text me and remind me that I am not alone. Some people have to go to work and just have very superficial relationships with their co-workers. When I come to work, I’m working with family.
These nurses and staff make me want to be a better person and be there for them in times of need as well.