I was involved in an automobile accident and fractured C-1, C-2, C-7, and T-2, immobilized and placed in a halo brace. I was hospitalized for three days. I went to BAMC ER, experiencing an elevated heart rate and blood pressure. I spent the night in the ER ruling out a pulmonary embolus. I was admitted to 3E the next morning to await a nuclear medicine scan. Chris Miller was assigned as my nurse.
From her initial presentation to my room until my eventual discharge later in the day, she provided me with the level of care I had not previously experienced. Chris listened to me, reviewed my medications, and became a key player in my recovery. She accompanied me to radiology while we waited for the on call tech to arrive from home. She listened to him as I was told he could not perform the scan due to the fact that I was in a halo brace, an item that had not been relayed to him from the medical staff in the ED who called him. While I underwent a Doppler study rather that the scan, Chris consulted with my physician to adjust, add, and delete medications, the probable source of my tachycardia and hypertension, which she identified. I don't know when Chris took a break or had lunch. Her focus was on me and the patients assigned to her.
I commend her for her keen assessment skills and input to my provider. She is the epitome of Patient Caring Touch. I was treated as a person. May all staff learn from Chris and nurses like Chris.