Cathy O'Donnell
February 2023
Cathy
O'Donnell
,
RN
PACU
UPMC Mercy
Pittsburgh
,
PA
United States

 

 

 

Cathy let me know she was proud I stood my ground and that neither option was bad, and that the staff would be right with me the whole way.
During my pre-op discussion with Cathy, I mentioned that I had requested general anesthesia. She helped me so much by listening and understanding my anxiety about an epidural and “twilight,” as I had been aware of what was happening during my previous TKR that was done in August. When the anesthesiologist came in and was indicating his preference for the epidural, I stood my ground. If I had not had a “bad” experience with the previous procedure, I would have decided to go with the Doctor’s plan. He understood and agreed my anxiety was not a good thing. When he left, Cathy let me know she was proud I stood my ground and that neither option was bad, and that the staff would be right with me the whole way. Cathy dried my tears and took care of me mentally and physically. She doesn’t know how much she helped me that day. I would have never been able to get through my procedure if it were not for the help and support of Cathy. Sometimes it’s the little things a person does that make all the difference and affect a patient's outcome. Cathy was my angel that day. Thanks for having such great nurses!