A few weeks ago, while working, I started to experience a foggy feeling. I turned to my colleague and we agreed that I should go home to rest. As I decided to leave, I received a call from another unit requesting assistance. I decided to see them before going home and started to walk down the hill. When all of a sudden, the foggy feeling worsened and I began to feel extremely unsteady. I waved down a taxi, but the taxi continued on. I felt I was going to collapse. Suddenly, I saw a security van with a passenger. They immediately stopped, and Nurse Andrea got out and began to assist me.
She immediately noticed I was in distress. Andrea's instincts automatically kicked in and rushed me to the ER. Andrea did not leave my side for a minute. She stayed with me throughout the entire time I was examined and tested, even though she was scheduled to work. Nothing else seemed to matter besides my care. She helped me with physicians, family, and friends. She was my advocate. I was disoriented through this, as I had suffered a stroke.
I am doing much better today and really wanted to show my appreciation and commend the ER nurses, doctor, and Andrea for going above and beyond. I'd also like to recognize the security officer for his immediate action to assist someone in need. The attention and care I received from the ER staff was positive, professional, and compassionate.
Andrea is a blessing and Hackensack UMC should be very proud to have her on their team.