May 2023
Rana
Sekeen
,
BSN, RN
Pediatrics
Hackensack Meridian Health - JFK University Medical Center
Edison
,
NJ
United States
Rana came in and introduced herself at shift change, and after their first interaction, I could visibly see J’s shoulders relax and his breaths come a little easier.
As a nurse, you never want to be on the other side, the patient's side. Even more so, as a mother, you never want to see your child as a patient. This story is about my son, J, who at 21 yo was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. His first night in the Pediatric Unit was made more bearable because of a very special nurse, Rana, who worked the 7p shift. To say that J was anxious or nervous about being in the hospital is a bit of an understatement. I was at his side of course, but he was looking to the folks who were caring for him to guide him and give him answers. Rana came in and introduced herself at shift change, and after their first interaction, I could visibly see J’s shoulders relax and his breaths come a little easier. She spoke to him directly and did not speak to him as a child but as an adult. She asked what he knew about what was happening in the hospital and listened to him and responded with care and compassion. She explained how she was going to help teach him to give himself insulin and check his blood glucose. She took her time, never seemed rushed, and put him at ease. She spoke to him about some good resources on the unit and promised to provide him with a book for him to read and learn about what was happening in his body. Rana checked on him several times during the night and was attentive and always asked how he was feeling, and he was able to sleep peacefully because of her kind approach. The next morning they worked together to check his blood sugar and calculate how much insulin he would need. When the day shift RN came in to receive the report, Rana spoke about how well J was managing and that meant the world to him. Rana also remembered to give him the book she promised. When they left the room, J turned to make and said “I hope she comes back tonight. She was great.” J and I believe Rana is a true DAISY Nurse for the wonderful care and compassion she showed him.