September 2021
Heather
Harrington
,
RN
Stepdown Unit, CV5
Ascension All Saints
Racine
,
WI
United States
Heather did all the "nurse" things of course but we also spoke about our families. Small talk to keep me connected to things outside my room.
Our 24-year-old daughter called from Colorado and realized something was very wrong and got on the next flight home. When she arrived she loaded us into the car and took us to the emergency room. My husband and I were both treated at the ER, I was admitted that day and my husband a day later. When I was admitted and transferred to the 5th floor with COVID I didn’t know how fortunate I would be to have her as my nurse. She was my nurse for the next several PMs. Often nights are worse when you are sick but she would talk with me when she came into the room. She did all the "nurse" things of course but we also spoke about our families. Small talk to keep me connected to things outside my room. She had a way of making me as comfortable as could be, physically and emotionally. I don’t think I realized just how sick I was at the beginning. Our daughter who now has both parents in the hospital has told me that she would not have known what was up if it had not been for her. From the first night, I was there, my daughter would call to check on me and she would talk with her and explain my condition and what treatment the doctor was planning. She helped to calm her fears and guide her through what was to come. When I was able to talk with my daughter on the phone she would tell me how much she helped her. She kept my family connected when I was unable to. I will be forever grateful for her compassion for me and her kindness to my daughter. When I was close to being discharged I was able to tell her how much I appreciated her. I think others should know what a gem they have in her. As sure as medicine, she was a big part of my healing and I will always be grateful.