Janet Hayes has been my primary nurse on several occasions for different procedures I have had done. While caring for me Janet has always been professional and personable, as well as knowledgeable.
Several years ago, while my spouse was present, Janet went beyond her duties of that day. She reviewed signs and symptoms. She stressed the importance of initiation into the healthcare setting at an appropriate hospital. She gave us printed literature. Every outpatient procedure I had after that she again reviewed the information with me. Little did I know at the time that the information that she gave me, I would have to use one day.
My spouse exhibited signs and symptoms. Fortunately, I was home and witnessed these symptoms. Because of Janet, I knew those symptoms and I knew to act quickly. I called 911 and by the time they got to our home, his symptoms had subsided. The team they sent did not recognize that my spouse had suffered and suggested that they or I take my spouse to a neighborhood hospital for evaluation of blood pressure. I told them that my spouse had never had high BP. They kept saying he was fine now. I remembered her stressing the importance of recognizing the symptoms and how time was so crucial. I put my spouse in the car and rushed to the Hospital's Emergency Room. The Triage Nurse initiated an alert and within 15 minutes my spouse had 2 IVs, an EKG, and a CT scan had been ordered. Within 30 min the CT was done. My spouse was found to have a blockage of the left internal carotid artery and right internal carotid artery. My spouse was stabilized on the telemetry floor for five days. I credit Janet with saving my spouse's life. Because of her, I knew what was happening, the importance of rapid initiation of treatment, and the courage to proceed to the nearest facility even though I had been told that he was fine. I cringe to even think what could have happened if we had not proceeded to the hospital and I will forever be grateful to Janet.