As I arrived to the Emergency Department one Friday afternoon a couple of weeks ago, I remember being scared. The last time I had been taken to the ED I was able to have my family or a friend there, supporting me through it all. This time was obviously different because of COVID, I had to be alone through it all. I got through triage relatively quickly and was put in another bed in the ED. There I met my nurse, Madison. I could tell she was busy but she introduced herself with a smile that put me at ease. I could tell it was kind of hectic. Besides seeing the numerous patients rolling in and out of the ED, I was recently told by my sister how backed up they were. My sister is a medical student and was doing rotations at Methodist University and told me how bad it had been. Hearing all of this made me feel even more guilty for adding another patient load to the medical team. I did not tell anyone this but I really did not want to go to the ER because who really does? I was there due to unrelenting back pain manifesting with multiple neurological symptoms and my neurologist said I absolutely had to go. I didn't tell anyone either that I was scared something bad was wrong since I have a history of a brain tumor and tumor on my spine. Something just didn't feel right. I can't say for sure but I think Madison could tell. I asked for a heating pack for the pain and instead of saying they didn't have them, she went out of her way to get one from CT and got me pain and nausea medicine as soon as the doctor ordered it. I could tell she was incredibly busy. Although I try not to listen, it's hard to not overhear the patients beside you behind the curtains. I overheard her multiple times dealing with confused or combative patients with such patience and kindness.
I didn't mention it (but I know most of the time you can tell anyway) I am a nurse as well. I found myself appreciating everything she did even more because I know how hard it can be. Honestly, I don't know if I would have been as sweet and patient as her. Even though she was slammed with so much other work, every time she came to care for me it was like I was the only patient she had. She treated me with respect and dignity. Dealing with chronic illness, I often get afraid of complaining about pain but she treated me with nothing but care and compassion. When I finally got my MRI results back, she seemed genuinely happy to find they showed no serious abnormalities while still being sympathetic to my pain and confusion.
I'm writing this to say that a nurse doesn't have to do something obviously extraordinary or save a life to make a difference. It honestly is the little things that add up. Throughout the night I was touched by each and every little thing Madison did for me and all her other patients. I think it's important to show just how integral people like Madison are to healthcare. Madison, thank you for everything you did for me and everyone else. I know you may not know it or even remember me but you made my bad night a little less grim. You are a DAISY Nurse.