The anxiety and fear set in when I was told I needed two total knee replacements and that I would be staying in the hospital 2-3 days after each operation. At 76 years old, I had never had an operation and the only time I stayed in the hospital was to give birth to our four children some fifty plus years ago. Even though the doctor's office and the hospital staff took me through everything that was going to happen before and after the surgery, I was still anxious. I prayed for a successful operation and an uneventful stay in the hospital.
The first thing I remember after my surgery was being wheeled to my room and being greeted by my nurse who had the most wonderful smile. She introduced herself as Holly and as I listened to her calming voice I knew my prayers had been answered. I knew right then that my stay in the hospital was going to be a good one.
Holly immediately started to explain everything that was going on and why it was happening. Throughout my stay, Holly would explain new things to me. She introduced me to my Physical and Occupational Therapist when they came for the first time. She was there when the doctor visited, and she introduced me to my night nurse and said she would see me the next day.
I explained to Holly that I had a weak bladder and I apologized saying I might have to ring the buzzer more than usual. Holly said to me in her reassuring voice, while looking me in the eye and holding my hand, "Please don't feel bad. I am here for you. Buzz as often as you need". Again, peace came over me.
I could see Holly enjoyed her job as a nurse and that she was very, very good at her job. Going above and beyond was her norm. She was always personable, compassionate, caring, and respectful. She would stop in my room often to say Hi and check to see if all was OK. She made my hospital stay enjoyable, comfortable and secure.
When it was time for my second total knee replacement, I was more anxious than my first surgery. I prayed my right knee surgery and hospital stay would go as well as my left knee did and that I would have Holly for my nurse again if possible. I was so excited to see Holly greeting me again as I was wheeled to my room. My first thought was - all is good. Again, I was the recipient of Holly's compassion, and caring ways.
I will always be grateful to Holly for helping me through two stays in the hospital. I was relaxed and felt safe and cared for.