After 3 days of suffering from a bacterial infection, I was told I needed an IV infusion to treat it because of my medication allergies. Chris phoned and asked if I could be at St. Rita's at 1 PM that afternoon. I went expecting to have one infusion (I really had not been informed by my doctor's office and felt as if I had to insist to get anything done at this point). Chris asked if I was scheduled for 5 infusions and I told her I didn't know. I thought it was a one-time thing. After checking the order, she told me I would be required to come to the main hospital 4 more times and go to the West Side Outpatient office 5 times for a total of 10 infusions.
Chris must have sensed my frustration and nervousness with this new experience because she was so understanding and friendly to both me and my husband. She put us at ease and soon we were talking like we were longtime friends. Her skills were excellent. She put the IV ports in without any problem and made sure I was comfortable. She told us what to expect during the infusions and answered any questions we had.
Chris, of course, was aware of my birth date and knew I would be getting an infusion that day. As it happened, one of her co-workers also had a birthday the same day and Chris made a delicious coconut cheesecake to celebrate. That morning, she came to my room, singing Happy Birthday and carrying a huge piece of cheesecake for my husband and me to share. We were so touched that she would do that! The cheesecake was awesome, and I think Nurse Chris is too.
She remarked one morning that she likes to make people happy and make them smile. That is certainly evident. She is the perfect definition of a compassionate and caring angel.