Trisha McLaughlin
November 2020
Trisha
McLaughlin
,
BSN, CEN
Emergency Department
Chestnut Hill Hospital - Tower Health
Trisha never left my side.
I am writing this letter to inform you of the excellent nursing care I received as a patient while in the Emergency Department at Chestnut Hill Hospital. Trisha McLaughlin deserves the DAISY award! My story is simple, after receiving a devastating (at the time it seemed so) diagnosis, I found myself in unfamiliar territory. I am a single mom of teenagers and am completely dedicated to my family. My girls are everything to me! As a nurse myself, I am accustomed to consoling others in their time of need. I am not usually the one needing to be consoled, and yet, I found that to be the case.
When the news was broken to me, part of me broke with it. I found myself wondering who was going to take care of my family and how in the world did this happen to me? By the grace of God, with that news came the most amazing nurse, Trisha. We had never crossed paths before that day. She immediately saw the fear and devastation on my face. I remember when presented with the diagnosis, my legs literally gave out and I slid to the floor, and so did my wonderful nurse. With total compassion, support, and validation, she never left my side. Trisha showered me with unconditional love as if we had known one another for years. This is something rarely seen in the world we live in today.
My diagnosis is a hazard in our field. It is one of the scariest, most devastating diseases to contract as a healthcare worker. Although the threat is always there, the best of the best, nurses like Trisha, show up every day and give 100% to their jobs. I was and will be eternally grateful for her kindness, compassion, and love that day. The professional, yet gentle manner, in which she cared for me is truly a gift not all possess. Trisha was there for me not only during that day in the Emergency Department but for the weeks of testing that followed. She cried with me, encouraged me, and most of all, cared for me in a way I never dreamed possible from what was a "stranger" that fateful day. I received many phone calls of encouragement that only a special nurse like Trisha is capable of. I have been meaning to write this letter for some time now. I want the staff and administration to truly know the amazing nurse and person Trisha is! I will always be grateful she was my nurse that day and forever grateful for our newfound friendship, love, and support.
When the news was broken to me, part of me broke with it. I found myself wondering who was going to take care of my family and how in the world did this happen to me? By the grace of God, with that news came the most amazing nurse, Trisha. We had never crossed paths before that day. She immediately saw the fear and devastation on my face. I remember when presented with the diagnosis, my legs literally gave out and I slid to the floor, and so did my wonderful nurse. With total compassion, support, and validation, she never left my side. Trisha showered me with unconditional love as if we had known one another for years. This is something rarely seen in the world we live in today.
My diagnosis is a hazard in our field. It is one of the scariest, most devastating diseases to contract as a healthcare worker. Although the threat is always there, the best of the best, nurses like Trisha, show up every day and give 100% to their jobs. I was and will be eternally grateful for her kindness, compassion, and love that day. The professional, yet gentle manner, in which she cared for me is truly a gift not all possess. Trisha was there for me not only during that day in the Emergency Department but for the weeks of testing that followed. She cried with me, encouraged me, and most of all, cared for me in a way I never dreamed possible from what was a "stranger" that fateful day. I received many phone calls of encouragement that only a special nurse like Trisha is capable of. I have been meaning to write this letter for some time now. I want the staff and administration to truly know the amazing nurse and person Trisha is! I will always be grateful she was my nurse that day and forever grateful for our newfound friendship, love, and support.