Carrie Mears and Erika McCoy
July 2016
Carrie
Mccoy
,
RNs
ICU/PCU
Community Hospital South
Indianapolis
,
IN
United States
I brought my husband into the Emergency Room following complaints of a racing heart and chest pains. After being evaluated, he was admitted and immediately placed under the care of Dr. M. He received an AICD/Pacemaker to stabilize his heart. The diagnosis and resulting procedure were executed beautifully. However, the activity, support and in some cases drama which led to that outcome really impressed both of us. We had moments, during which his heart rate jumped from 60 to 240. The attacks were random. On one night, the "episode" as he called it, started while we were quietly watching TV in the hospital room. He hadn't even been able to tell me the attack was starting, when 5 nurses came running in to check on him. One brought a crash cart! Talk about prepared! Two of your nurses took the time to explain the intricacies of the physical condition he was experiencing.
Carrie, our first nurse, explained that this kind of racing heart was known as Ventricular Tachycardia. She explained that his rapid pulse was the result of improper electrical activity in his heart. I asked about possibly treatment and she described the AICD. Carrie also explained a possible need for a Catheter Ablation targeting scar tissue on his heart, which occurred from a previous heart attack. Note: The fact that I can explain ANY of this to you, is the result of time extended by a very patient, caring nurse who wanted to put my mind at ease. She explained why Dr. M had been called in. When he arrived, he also took the time to explain the process, but the introduction Carrie provided truly brought clarity to the explanation he provided. I felt very comfortable as we moved forward.
Our second nurse was Erika. Her warm sense of humor and attention to detail kept us at ease as the attacks continued. She further explained the condition and walked us through the reason for the placement of the defibrillator / pacemaker combination. She was diligent in checking his heart rate and showed us the PVCs which continued to appear on his readings. (terminology I wasn't aware of without help from Erika!) She put my mind at ease while providing exceptional care for my husband before and after the AICD was implanted. When we later completed consults with our Cardiologist and other attending physicians, we had a clear understanding of what was happening and what our next steps will be. Erika communicated caring and instilled confidence. Two important areas of support we needed during one of the most difficult times of our lives.
These two nurses, Carrie Mears and Erika McCoy, should be recognized for their outstanding work. You're fortunate to have such talented people within your staff! I appreciate their professionalism and caring more than they can possibly know.
Carrie, our first nurse, explained that this kind of racing heart was known as Ventricular Tachycardia. She explained that his rapid pulse was the result of improper electrical activity in his heart. I asked about possibly treatment and she described the AICD. Carrie also explained a possible need for a Catheter Ablation targeting scar tissue on his heart, which occurred from a previous heart attack. Note: The fact that I can explain ANY of this to you, is the result of time extended by a very patient, caring nurse who wanted to put my mind at ease. She explained why Dr. M had been called in. When he arrived, he also took the time to explain the process, but the introduction Carrie provided truly brought clarity to the explanation he provided. I felt very comfortable as we moved forward.
Our second nurse was Erika. Her warm sense of humor and attention to detail kept us at ease as the attacks continued. She further explained the condition and walked us through the reason for the placement of the defibrillator / pacemaker combination. She was diligent in checking his heart rate and showed us the PVCs which continued to appear on his readings. (terminology I wasn't aware of without help from Erika!) She put my mind at ease while providing exceptional care for my husband before and after the AICD was implanted. When we later completed consults with our Cardiologist and other attending physicians, we had a clear understanding of what was happening and what our next steps will be. Erika communicated caring and instilled confidence. Two important areas of support we needed during one of the most difficult times of our lives.
These two nurses, Carrie Mears and Erika McCoy, should be recognized for their outstanding work. You're fortunate to have such talented people within your staff! I appreciate their professionalism and caring more than they can possibly know.