First I want to state that all of the nursing staff that I have been in contact with the past two weeks have been wonderful. I wanted to share a good story about one of your exceptional staff. I went to Dr. B regarding some health concerns, including chest pain. He decided that I should have a Stress Test. Over the years, I have had been told by many staff that I should always tell lab technicians and nursing staff that I am a "very hard stick". When I went for my stress test, the staff tried to start an IV, but were not successful. They called the IV team, but as they were waiting, an RN working in Radiology named Luanne walked into the cardiac section. The staff asked me if I was willing to have Luanne try, as she is known to be successful in starting IVs for difficult patients. She came in and immediately was able to start my IV with no pain. The IV team did not have to come.
The afternoon of the stress test Dr. B called and said that I was in need of a cardiac catheterization based on the test. When I scheduled it I mentioned that I was a "hard stick" and related the story of the IV for the stress test. When I mentioned Luanne, the scheduler laughed and said she is working on Friday. On Friday the cardiac catheterization staff were wonderful, but also were not successful in starting the multiple IVs needed. I mentioned Luanne and they called her. Again she came and was successful. Luanne was so positive and so professional. I was not a patient on her schedule either day, but she put me at ease and was able to be successful in starting the IVs. She told me that she has been an RN for 34 years. I have had many experiences with giving blood and having IVs started with painful experiences over the years. Last week's experience was a positive one due to Luanne.