Sarah Gerard
October 2018
Sarah
Gerard
,
BSN, MSML, CCRN
Radiology
Arnold Palmer Medical Center
Orlando
,
FL
United States

 

 

 

My son has been subject to many blood draws due to his medical condition. He is 14 now and gets a stomachache each time he goes for blood draws because they always poke him several times before finding a vein that gives them what they need.
This visit to APH he was having an MRI with contrast. Sarah Gerard spoke to my son with such compassion; she knelt down to his level, looked him in the eyes, and placed the IV in his hand. It was quick and painless. She then explained that from now on, he could just tell the nurse about this location in his hand and this may help his future blood draws or IV placements. She spoke to him at his level and from the heart.
Not only did I appreciate it, my son really appreciated it. He came home that night and explained it exactly as Sarah did to his Dad. He said, "Dad, no more empty pokes for me, I know exactly where to tell the nurse to poke me." It made him feel more confident, at ease, and no longer fearful. Thank you, Sarah!