April 2019
Erica
Lail
,
LPN
Four Medical
Atrium Health Cleveland
Shelby
,
NC
United States
Erica Lail is an Extraordinary Nurse. She was my husband, P's, nurse on separate events, as we dealt with Merkel Cell Carcinoma which metastasized from his face (2016) to his abdomen and liver (2018). Erica is a very compassionate nurse who connected with P and me right from the start. She was proactive and helped us manage his pain and understand our options at that time. Her quick wit and friendliness made it easy to feel comfortable during a very uncomfortable time for P. Later in 2018, he was admitted again after a CAT scan revealed he had worsened. Erica was once again our exceptional nurse, who took us on, knowing who we were. It made P very happy to have her smiling face and professional care to help him during his stay. Her close attention to detail and simple communication with him made each day an easier one. This was not an easy stay for either of us; as I was staying around the clock with him. But, just knowing Erica was going above and beyond in reviewing P's case and staying ahead of his needs helped us both.
When faced with the need of a catheter, she skillfully handled it so as not to embarrass him and later when able to go normally to the bathroom, he asked her to turn around and she cheerfully complied to his request. Now some may not understand, but to P this respect was major. Because at that time he requested privacy and she gladly accommodated him and made him feel comfortable. The little things she did like this meant so much to us.
After he completed surgery to place an abdominal drain, he made a special request to Erica which she made happen. He wanted a rose and a balloon for me, his wife of 37 years. Erica went and got exactly what he wanted and got it to him so that he could surprise me. This was a very special occasion as this was his last gift to me. This was not in Erica's job description as a nurse but done with kindness and a caring heart. The next day we went to Hospice for the remainder of P's life, one week. But not the last time I would see Erica. I was overwhelmed to see Erica at P's celebration of life service. Although with such an Extraordinary Nurse such as Erica, I should not have been surprised!
When faced with the need of a catheter, she skillfully handled it so as not to embarrass him and later when able to go normally to the bathroom, he asked her to turn around and she cheerfully complied to his request. Now some may not understand, but to P this respect was major. Because at that time he requested privacy and she gladly accommodated him and made him feel comfortable. The little things she did like this meant so much to us.
After he completed surgery to place an abdominal drain, he made a special request to Erica which she made happen. He wanted a rose and a balloon for me, his wife of 37 years. Erica went and got exactly what he wanted and got it to him so that he could surprise me. This was a very special occasion as this was his last gift to me. This was not in Erica's job description as a nurse but done with kindness and a caring heart. The next day we went to Hospice for the remainder of P's life, one week. But not the last time I would see Erica. I was overwhelmed to see Erica at P's celebration of life service. Although with such an Extraordinary Nurse such as Erica, I should not have been surprised!