I was lucky to have Serena as my nurse. One night when my pain level was probably a 10 (if I could have been able to think to score it). The medication regime was not spread out and breakthrough pain has been an issue since I was admitted. The doctors were changing meals, adding meds, and trying everything to get my pain under control. Unfortunately, I have terrible anxiety which was starting to spin out of control. Serena did everything she could to try to keep me comfortable until it was time to dispense my Percocet. Ice packs, a cold compress on my head. She even rubbed my arm to offer comfort. I know she did everything within the scope of her duties to try to help me feel better.

While she was talking to me she said she had gone on to the internet looking for some kind of answer. She realized the medication I was getting was not being spaced out. So, I would have some medication in my system when the Percocet stopped working and since it was PRN and not scheduled sometimes I would wait 1 ½ hours after the six hours to get my pain pill. During that time, I had nothing to carry me over so I ended up in excruciating pain with intense anxiety that made things worse. Serena documented all this for my doctor. When the doctor came to see me, I explained what a bad night I had. The PT was with me and she agreed with what Serena had said. It was decided to give me Percocet as scheduled so I didn’t have to wait so long between pain pills and to spread out my muscle relaxer and some other meds so I am never without anything. This was the 1st “pain-free” night I had since I came here and I was able to sleep through the night. Now I am so much more comfortable and not as anxious.

I understand Serena is a fairly new nurse, but she projected professionalism with compassion you would have expected from a nurse of 25 years or so. I had the opportunity to talk to the nurse who trained her and she said she was so proud of Serena. I will always remember the “little girl” who saved my life that night. If anyone deserves recognition, Serena does. We need more nurses like her today.