It all started when my family doctor sent me to the ER suspicious of a PE. I arrived at MVH South ER and was swiftly met by the nurse, who did an exceptional job treating me with kindness while completing my assessment and intake information.
After my chest x-ray, Dr. M explained my diagnosis and consulted the cardio-thoracic group for the recommended treatment plan. Shortly after, I heard LG outside my room doing what she does best; educating the staff with just-in-time learning about setting up the chest tube, the procedure, and after-procedure nursing care. I was comforted hearing a familiar voice because I was feeling very nervous about what I knew was coming.
I was transferred over to a trauma bay to be prepped for the procedure. Dr. M was kind in response to my questions and my patient requests. This helped me relax a little knowing I was facing a procedure, which I had seen done at the bedside numerous times and knew was extremely painful and was accompanied by real risks.
CareFlight nurse, Mike Moyer, and paramedic, Ben, walked in the trauma bay and explained they were there if I were to need their support and because they would be transporting me via MICU to the main campus after chest tube placement. In my anxiety, I began telling them all my drug allergies, significant family history and past difficulty I've had being sedated. They heard me and smiled. I told them that I wanted them to know this info while I could tell them vs a case where I may not be able to speak for myself. Mike thanked me for the information and reassured me that they would take great care of me and that full lung collapse rarely happens. Being a patient, as a medical professional, is extremely scary! I appreciate how Mike spotted my fear and addressed exactly what I was thinking "oh no! CAREFLIGHT is here 'just in case'!!??"
What was extraordinary about this is that I'm not sure I could have gotten through the procedure without Mike. This was the most painfully sustained procedure I've ever had and that's saying something. Mike was at the head of the bed to hold my arm and head in position so I didn't break the sterile field. However, when I began to feel the pain, despite medications, and tears began forming, Mike didn't just maintain his duty. He began caressing my cheek and telling me what was happening, that I was doing great, that my vital signs were good and helping me re-focus on how well this was going vs focusing on my pain. When it was over and I was still experiencing pain with inhalation, he didn't just walk away. He stayed by my side, helped me reposition where it hurt less and continued comforting me.
Mike is well-deserving of this award for the extraordinary compassion he showed. Thank you, Mike for making a difference for me at a very difficult time!