June 2017
Michael
Huemmer
,
ADN, RN
Progressive Care Unit
Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Salem
,
VA
United States
Michael made sure I knew when he would be making regular checks and when he had not seen if I was steady on my feet, got me a bedside toilet (only because I was tired after a lot of walking already) so I could be more comfortable. He was so respectful and after I decided not to go walk anymore that evening, he said at any time during the night he would be glad to go walk if I wasn't sleeping. My BP kept rising but before he jumped on the BP meds, he assessed how my pain was, deducing correctly that the increased BP was from pain and got it under control thus bringing my BP back into range. He told me if I was asleep he still had to check on me but asked if I'd rather he wake me or just come do his nightly task. Since sleep isn't so easy, I asked if I were sleeping would he mind just doing what was needed and try not to wake me. This was my request and I know I slept at least 2-3 hrs at least twice and he did his job without trying to wake me. But once I did wake up he got me everything I needed and stayed and talked for a while since I was hyper after those very long naps. He was so knowledgeable also and I never once had to ask for pain meds. As soon as he saw my BP rising he asked if I was in pain and he again averted giving both BP and pain meds by merely considering the rise in pain was causing elevated BP so only one med was needed.