Ysabel Kohler did a fantastic job as my nurse for the three days she was with me. I was admitted to the ED with extreme pain and sepsis caused by an infection from an abscess in my rectal area. The matter was complicated more because I am HIV positive. Upon arrival, I made sure to discretely let my doctors and nurses know that I was HIV positive, but that my family did not know, and I wanted to keep it that way. Everyone was extremely courteous and helpful with this. However, one of the PAs inadvertently mentioned my HIV status in front of my family. This came as a shock to me and to my family, and my mother and sister left the room in tears.
The day after my surgery Ysabel became my nurse. She was extremely attentive and made sure I was comfortable, and my pain was under control. Even though I knew she was made aware of the situation that happened with the PA, she still made sure it was okay to discuss things with me in front of my mother, who stayed with me most of my stay. Ysabel even apologized for the unfortunate incident that had occurred and even spoke with the physician about it so that he was aware of what happened. It takes courage to talk to others about a mistake that was made, but Ysabel had that courage for us. Her care was above and beyond what I could have asked for.
Due to a work-related trip that my mother would be taking a few days after my surgery, my mother decided she needed a good night's sleep at home. As she left, my mother was crying and asked if Ysabel could go in my room and keep me company for a while. Ysabel didn't hesitate to come up with a solution and brought in her work so that she could chart and keep me company at the same time. I didn't need this, but it was something that my mother needed, and Ysabel was able to provide it.
There were also multiple heartfelt conversations that Ysabel shared with us about the struggles of my family finding out I have HIV, as well as dealing with my surgery. Ysabel was an amazing listener and made sure we were comforted during that time. Words can't describe how grateful I am for Ysabel. She made me feel comforted, she made me feel safe. She made me understand everything that was going on medically and was able to explain complicated medical things so clearly. She always came when I needed her help with bandages, pain, nausea, etc. in a timely manner. Her bedside manner was remarkable. I felt as if I wasn't a patient in her eyes, but like I was a friend she truly cared about.