This week, I have experienced patient care from a new perspective. I found myself a patient. I had been sick over a month with what we thought was bronchitis. I was admitted to the hospital around 5 am to Sue's care. I was so glad someone was taking me seriously. She was immediately attentive to me. As time went on, I remember feeling weaker and cold. I had chills and felt like I would never get warm. I felt I could not breathe. My chest was constricting. I knew something was wrong. I asked for another blanket and Sue came in; I do not remember much after that.
I do remember Sue's voice at my head, brushing my head, getting a cold washcloth, and holding my hand. Sue was also trying to slow my breathing and then things went black. I woke up with chest pains, doctors and nurses everywhere. Sue was right there. Tears on her won face saying, "Thank God we've got you; you're okay. I've got you, L." I went into respiratory arrest; they thought I had briefly lost my pulse and had to do a round of CPR.
After being in the ICU overnight, I came back to the 2 West unit. Sue came in to visit and hugged me. She sat with me and told me she was so glad I was okay. I feel like Sue definitely saved my life. She is the reason I am still here. I have a mark on my chest from Sue's chest compressions and I wear it like a badge of honor. I still do not have answers to what exactly was going on; however, I thank my lucky stars that Sue was concerned enough to stay. If she would not have brought the blanket I asked for who knows what would have happened.

Note: This is Sue's 2nd DAISY Award!