River Conway
March 2024
River
Conway
,
BSN, RN
NSI
University of New Mexico Hospital
Albuquerque
,
NM
United States
River was a God send to our family. At our most frightened and vulnerable, River was compassionate and understanding.
Three months ago, our family experienced a life changing event. My husband, R, suffered a severe stroke that left him unable to walk, talk or eat along with right-sided hemiparesis. I never imagined that I would be able to look back on that time and find anything positive that came from the experience. Now that some time has passed, I have been able to reflect on all that has happened. At our family’s darkest moment, there was still something to be thankful for. Enter River Conway.
River was a God send to our family. At our most frightened and vulnerable, River was compassionate and understanding. Walking us through my husband’s stay in the ICU and explaining everything that was happening while he was there, from his condition, the medications being administered, the feeding tube, tests, and the initial neurological assessments that were being done. When we were filled with uncertainty, unsure where this path would lead our family, River remained attentive and kept us focused on the positive progress being made. River guided our family in the steps to take while my husband was in the ICU and prepared us for when he was to leave the ICU. This included putting us in touch with a case manager, a social worker and providing information regarding acute rehabilitation care facilities which would be his next steps. We could not have asked for a better patient/family advocate who clearly understood my husband’s situation while keeping his care at a priority level at all times.
Upon my husband’s discharge from the ICU to the Neurology Unit, he attempted to express his thankfulness to River but could only deliver garbled words and tears of appreciation. He clearly understood, through River’s actions, compassion, and exemplary care, that he was the priority and that his best interests were at the top of the list. The three of us shared this tearful moment, one that will forever be a memory of inspiration because of the humanity River was able to convey through the compassionate care provided.
It goes without saying that River Conway is an exceptional trauma nurse who works on behalf of patients and understands the trauma nurse discipline. The collaboration with the healthcare team allowed River to remain focused and compassionate, creating a beautifully crafted patient/family-centered care program for my husband and our family.
River was a God send to our family. At our most frightened and vulnerable, River was compassionate and understanding. Walking us through my husband’s stay in the ICU and explaining everything that was happening while he was there, from his condition, the medications being administered, the feeding tube, tests, and the initial neurological assessments that were being done. When we were filled with uncertainty, unsure where this path would lead our family, River remained attentive and kept us focused on the positive progress being made. River guided our family in the steps to take while my husband was in the ICU and prepared us for when he was to leave the ICU. This included putting us in touch with a case manager, a social worker and providing information regarding acute rehabilitation care facilities which would be his next steps. We could not have asked for a better patient/family advocate who clearly understood my husband’s situation while keeping his care at a priority level at all times.
Upon my husband’s discharge from the ICU to the Neurology Unit, he attempted to express his thankfulness to River but could only deliver garbled words and tears of appreciation. He clearly understood, through River’s actions, compassion, and exemplary care, that he was the priority and that his best interests were at the top of the list. The three of us shared this tearful moment, one that will forever be a memory of inspiration because of the humanity River was able to convey through the compassionate care provided.
It goes without saying that River Conway is an exceptional trauma nurse who works on behalf of patients and understands the trauma nurse discipline. The collaboration with the healthcare team allowed River to remain focused and compassionate, creating a beautifully crafted patient/family-centered care program for my husband and our family.