I was admitted to the emergency room at Broward Health Coral Springs BHCS with a very high and erratic blood pressure. I was extremely upset and scared because my pressure would drop suddenly and the immediately go high from one moment to the next. That's when an angel took my hand and said, "Sweetheart, you are going to be okay. We will figure out what's going on." That angel's name is Rachelle Warren. She proceeded to take my pressure as I was laying down, sitting down and standing up. The readings varied greatly throughout this whole process. But Rachelle continued to calm me down by explaining in a sweet and caring voice what was happening and what steps would be taken to get the pressure under control.
At this point my doctor came to evaluate me and Rachelle told him the situation. He advised her what needed to be done. She set up the IV, held my hand and told me not to worry that she would be checking on me while also caring for her patients. She made me feel safer knowing she was concerned about my physical and emotional state. It was important to her to allay fears.
Rachelle continued to check on me regularly always saying something to make me smile as they tried to bring my pressure back to normal. She kept the doctor apprised of the situation, so they could make decisions regarding next steps. They decided another bag of IV was necessary, if not I would be admitted. Ultimately my pressure stabilized and there was no need to admit me.
Throughout this entire anxiety producing situation, Rachelle remained calm and made every effort to keep me calm as well with her nurturing, caring spirit. She was thoughtful and kind and competent. I trusted that she knew what to do and she was doing everything she could to calm my fears and nerves. She made me feel she cared about me as a person and not just a patient.
There are all kind of human beings that are put on this earth to make a difference and Rachelle is definitely one of the exceptional ones. She is kind, caring and compassionate to persons she has never met before; qualities that are so rare to find.
I had the opportunity to see her again in the ER. She remembered me, gave me a big hug and again told me, "You will be okay; you're in good hands." She knows how to comfort and treat patients. Both skills are hugely important in the medical profession and yet they are not easily found. But they are embodied in Rachelle.
I told my neurologist about Rachelle and she said, "Oh my, she is so great," and told me she did not know she was working in the ER and was happy to hear she was there. A week later I had another appointment and was talking to a lovely lady in the waiting room. The woman said she has just retired as a nurse form NorthWest medical center. I told her about my experience with my angel Rachelle and coincidentally she knew who Rachelle was. She said she was lovely, and it turns out her daughter is also a nurse in the ER.
In this day and age when you can find three people that agree and only have good things to say it's a miracle and a blessing. Obliviously Rachelle shines brightly to be so fondly remembered by three individuals with nothing in common other than having met this young beautiful nurse and coming to the same conclusions - she is wonderful.
Rachelle is an exceptional example of the compassion, respect and professionalism you hope to be treated with in any medical facility. I am so grateful to have met her. She reinforces my faith in the goodness of the human spirit. I know there are many great accomplishments in her future and they will be well deserved.