After a recent experience at another hospital, I found myself wishing I could have found a better way to thank Meegan for her care several years ago.
Meegan was a reliable, and comforting presence at a time when I, as a patient, was unsettled. It started upon my arrival on the floor where she took the time to say she was working on something for another patient, yet still welcomed me and told me she would be back shortly. Upon her return, she first addressed making sure I was relaxed and not stressing out. She then did a complete review of my case up to that point, talking to me in everyday terms. This then led to her explaining the treatments that would be coming, and taking the time to make sure I understood, and to answer any questions I or my wife might have had.
Subsequently, Meegan always inquired about not just my medical condition, but also how I was holding up with just being in the hospital. She took the time to ask if I might have questions, and then would do her best to answer them in an open and honest manner, even if the answer was that she would have to get back to me later. (Which she actually followed through upon). She took the time to learn my wife's name, and the names of my children when they came to visit. Why, because it made them and me more comfortable.
Meegan truly left me with a feeling that here was a person who cared, not just that my infection got better, but that I got better as soon as possible. She has left an impression on me, of a hospital and of a person, that truly cares about others. Going forward, I will evaluate other nurses against her standard for no other reason than that she left that much of an impression upon me.
Overall, while she was a great care giver, what made a lasting impression on me is the care she gave me as a person, and the care, as a person, she extended to my wife, to make her feel included and informed every step of the way.