All of the nurses I encountered at Retreat were truly wonderful but Jordanne was a standout. She treated me with the dignity, compassion, and exceptional care that I would expect her to give a dear friend or relative. Jordanne demonstrated superior skills and exceptional organizational capability. She consistently stayed on top of all that needed to be done. Even my husband said, "Boy you can see Jordanne is on top of everything".
Jordanne also knows her stuff. After I suffered a post-surgical setback requiring the help of the rapid response team, my blood pressure remained persistently low necessitating 3 calls to the on-call doctor by the night nurse. This resulted in the doctor eventually halting the epidural pain medication which was thought to be the root cause of my low blood pressure. In the morning Jordanne took over as my nurse. Jordanne wasn't satisfied that my BP wasn't increasing as well as it should. This was prohibiting me from getting up and moving about which was a very important goal for me. Jordanne wanted to see faster improvement so suggested introducing Albumin which was approved and it seemed to do the trick. My BP steadily rose after 2 Albumin treatments and then it was safe for me to begin to get up out of bed and feel like a human being again. We took it slow but eventually, I progressed from sitting in the chair, to participating in my bathing, to walking to get my juices flowing.
When the unit was busy with lots of patients, Jordanne skillfully hustled about attending to everything with a cheerful, confident attitude. After the doctor said my epidural catheter could be removed, the Anesthesia department said this is a skill that nurses can do. Jordanne reacted with confidence and a can-do attitude and demonstrated the care and capability required to get it done perfectly.
Even though I had been placed on a regular, low fiber diet, Jordanne counseled me to take it very easy and slow after I got bloated and distended. She was so right and I took her advice and felt so much relief. I am so appreciative of her consistent sharing of her expertise and experience. When I was having trouble urinating, after the catheter was removed, Jordanne said, "I'm going to run the water for you" and it worked! After that, it got easier and easier. That's an exceptional, experienced nurse willing to share her "tricks of the trade" to help her patient succeed.
When the unit didn't have as many patients, some people might see it as an opportunity to take a well-deserved breather, but not Jordanne. She accompanied me on countless walks around the unit, prompted me on my breathing exercises, and tended to my every need with supreme kindness and capability. I believe her amazing care contributed greatly to my quick recovery.
I want to thank Jordanne for being there for me during a most vulnerable time in my life. She is truly an exceptional nurse and Retreat and its patients are most fortunate to have her on the team. Jordanne personifies the skillful, compassionate of a DAISY Nurse. She is truly an Extraordinary Nurse.