I was admitted into NKCH for a total hip replacement and although I was cared for by many wonderful, professional, and kind staff members, I feel compelled to share my thoughts and feelings about one special RN who was involved in my care, Rachel.
From the moment I was moved from recovery to my private room, Rachel was attentive to my needs as were all the other staff members in the orthopedic section. My immediate recovery was hampered by my severe nausea and pain, so I am guessing that I required "extra" looking after. Nothing seemed to be helping with the vomiting, but Rachel was determined to make me more comfortable and followed up with the head RN to perhaps try a different drug, which might help.
Another drug was administered which took care of the nausea problem, but it inadvertently caused some side effects which mimicked a stroke. My adult daughter was present in the room and in March of this year, she almost lost her 42-year-old husband to an unexpected stroke. Seeing her mom exhibit stroke-like symptoms was enough to cause her PTSD to kick in and she had to leave the room in tears. The terror, stress, and pain my daughter was experiencing went unnoticed by everyone, except Rachel. After making sure that I was all right, Rachel reached out to my daughter to make sure she was OK. I can't tell you what a kind, caring gesture that was and how much it meant not only to my daughter but to myself and my husband as well. Rachel continued to reach out to my daughter for the rest of my stay at NKCH in a way that did not overstep the boundaries of patient care but just showed what a sincerely caring and concerned individual she really is. Her actions as an RN are a true reflection of her giving and kind desire to help people.
Rachel's kindness and attention to me, as a patient, and to my daughter will always hold a special place in my heart. It is not very often that you enter the hospital being cared for by a qualified nurse, but you leave having made a very special friend.
I just wanted you to know that Rachel is truly a shining star in the world of RNs. Although I thanked her many times for the outstanding care she provided, I would very much like to reach out to her one more time with a card and I wanted to thank you for your time and all that you do to make your entire nursing staff such angels!