I have wanted to write to you for a couple of weeks, but it has been extremely hard to actually start this communication even though it is important. I have only cried twice today so it seems like a good day to communicate my overwhelming appreciation for your staff. My grand-daughter received the most wonderfully skilled care from your staff recently. From the emergency room under the medical supervision of a doctor to the PICU under the medical care of two more doctors, my experience was phenomenal.
I have been a nurse for over 30 years and I realize that you do not always hear the good you do but will always hear the bad. I can honestly say that as the mother of 4 and myself being a patient in hospitals, I have never written a good letter to a hospital until now. I am a tough audience when it comes to the delivery of pediatric nursing care because 28 years of my career has been in pediatrics- Cardiac ICU, Peds ICU and Peds ED.
In late February I received a phone call while at the store from a neighbor. My grand-daughter was being rushed to your hospital after falling in my pool. I was told she was in cardiac arrest and CPR was being performed. I got to the ED to stand at the foot of her bed to support my son, her father, through the awful experience. I appreciated the tender looks and occasional touches to our shoulders or elbows the staff offered while passing by during her long code. Things did not go perfect, they never do, I recognized it but the physicians and staff handled it professionally and did what they needed to do. The doctor was amazingly calm and supportive when talking to my son about the outlook for my granddaughter. All I asked was that they keep trying to get her back to give her mother time to get to the hospital. Dr. C was understanding of my request and never attempted to call the code even though I know she felt it was best, I would have felt the same way if I wasn't the grandmother. I just wanted my daughter-in-law to be able to touch and kiss her daughter while she was physically alive. Your staff gave us that. Amazingly, we were able to go to the PICU. Emily, RN was amazing in explaining to my son and daughter-in-law what was going on and what the plan was for the night. She did it in a way young parents going through a crisis could understand. I appreciated that. The doctor knew what my daughter-in-law needed to do was to bathe her daughter, and he gave her that opportunity and Emily helped. The respiratory therapist was even there to help hold the OETT. Thank you.
Dr. K asked me point blank during this time if I was an ICU nurse because I was explaining things to my children that the average grandmother would not know. I told him I was a nurse and my experience. I started my career at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles in PICU and transferred to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta for cardiac ICU. I was in Atlanta for 23 years having so many opportunities. We stepped outside and he asked me if I wanted my granddaughter transferred, I looked point blank at him and said absolutely not. I had already witnessed the level of expertise, caring, and service I expected to receive. This was all at the level I was used to at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. My granddaughter was in good hands and I was able to be her "Cricker". Her Grandpa and I got to sit at her bedside so her parents could sleep for a couple of hours. Thank you for that.
Rachel RN continued the amazing care of my granddaughter and her family. Our family began to arrive from Georgia, Utah, and Hawaii. Your staff accommodated the needs of all of us. You allowed all of us to have our time. Child life was perfect in helping my 12-year-old son, 6-year-old grandson and 5-year-old nephew deal with the impending loss of their cousin, Rachel kept things going all day and we were at peace seeing Emily RN and the therapist return Sunday evening. Your staff engaged in their care of my granddaughter in such a manner that we were able to focus on our emotional needs with her. I will be forever grateful for that opportunity. Thank you.
Although my granddaughter died in the early hours on in February, my feelings are not completely sorrowful. I am pleased that my beautiful granddaughter was able to be at peace with your staff. Please know that your hospital and staff will have my undying appreciation for what they did for my children and grand-children. Thank you