August 2021
Ruth S
Oltz
,
BSN, RN, CMSRN
4G Digestive Diseases
Spectrum Health Blodgett Campus
Grand Rapids
,
MI
United States
Ruth touched my shoulder and said, “I’m so sorry.” At that moment I sincerely felt the care, kindness, security, and safety of the staff on 4G.
My stay in the hospital was not the greatest experience. I had issues with pain control that I felt were ignored. After a time, a few nurses made calls for me and were very sympathetic. There is one that stands out and deserves recognition not because of being an advocate but for giving sympathetic, kind, and genuine care. Ruth assured me and stated she was sorry I was experiencing such pain. It was the first time I felt secure and safe. I was planning for discharge and received news that resulted in my discharge being delayed due to an abscess in my abdomen and the placement of a drain tube. With being gripped in pain for so long and nothing being done, I experienced great disappointment. Ruth touched my shoulder and said, “I’m so sorry.” At that moment I sincerely felt the care, kindness, security, and safety of the staff on 4G. What Ruth said made me feel genuinely cared for and made all the negativity go away. Ruth made me feel secure and safe. She restored my trust in the staff and treated me like anyone would want to be treated. I felt like family and knew the rest of my stay was going to be all right.