Jane was in charge when my dad came to ER with a significant stroke affecting his entire left side. I had called ahead to let the ER know that dad was coming in and Jane happened to answer. I have known her for over 30 years since I was an orderly in the ER and then nurse at DMOS for the last 29 yrs. It is the first time I have been on the other side of this situation. Jane updated me on what was going on as I was headed to the hospital. Once I arrived she updated me again and introduced me to our nurse and doctor. It became clear dad was not doing well but he did know what was going on and could converse. She made us feel like we were her only patient while constantly helping nurses with other issues. We were in stroke protocol and we were informed that the window for clot buster had passed and both Jane and the doctor spoke to us, making a point to make dad the focus, despite his difficulty communicating. At the same time, I was fearing the worst and trying to get a hold of my siblings, during this time Jane said she would stay with dad. While the staff was getting X-rays, labs, vitals etc all around, she focused on my dad in my absence. She is from Manson, IA, 15 miles from our hometown. When I came back into the room it was like the 2 of them were the quiet in the storm. Dad and Jane were talking like old friends about people they both knew.
It was decided to life flight dad to IA City for a chance at surgery to help give him a chance to limit the damage done with the stroke. The staff explained the procedure, chances of success directly to dad. From there he and I made the decision to try it. Sadly, he never woke from the surgery and passed away. The last thing he said before life flight took him was that he loved me and he asked me to thank Jane for everything and how nice she was to him. Jane was there for both dad and me. She helped me through my distress and helped dad through what he knew was a dire situation. She was what nurses are supposed to be. She was so supportive, empathetic, a great communicator, all while continuing to be the charge nurse in a very busy ER. She made us feel like we were the only patient in the place. I could never have made the drive to IA City myself without her kindness and the hug before I took off. Crying as I write this tonight. She is a true DAISY Nurse.