February 2024
Meghan
Mackenzie
,
RN
Emergency Department
Trinity-Health Oakland Hospital
Pontiac
,
MI
United States
Meghan came in to do her medical things, but before that, she went to my daughter's side. She bent down and, in a calm and soft voice, introduced herself. She told her she was her nurse and reassured her that she would take good care of her.
My daughter was taken via ambulance to the ER. She could not see, and her legs would not hold her up. My daughter is 53 and has a lifelong struggle with epilepsy and mental disability. Her mental age is about 10. I have recently moved her into a group home as I am 72 and am getting treated for cancer and can no longer care for her. So hard for her! She presented with blindness (temporary, thank God). And the loss of use of her legs. She was hyperventilating and scared near death. Everyone in the ER was great, but it wasn't until Meghan came in that I felt her calm. Meghan came in to do her medical things, but before that, she went to my daughter's side. She bent down and, in a calm and soft voice, introduced herself. She told her she was her nurse and reassured her that she would take good care of her. My daughter immediately calmed, and for the first time in hours, I felt she would be all right. When I arrived (I'm staying about 30 minutes from the hospital), I was beside myself with worry, as you can imagine. Her seizures have been uncontrolled for 50 years, despite any drugs I tried to help. I was so tired from the chemo treatment, the driving in the city, and the time I spent with her in the ER, I could hardly stand up. But I was so afraid to leave her. Meghan came in several times and saw how distressed I was. When she very gently suggested I get some rest, I didn't want to leave. Meghan had such good and caring energy when she motioned me to step outside the room. All of the doctors and nurses were so good at the medical end of things. (The ER was slammed! I know I've been in lots of them). Meghan not only did the nursing well, she cared for our spirits with such grace. Out in the hall, she came close to me, not in my space, but establishing a caring cocoon...is the only way to describe it in such a public place. She spoke slowly, good for us old folks, and calmly. She looked me in the eyes with such compassion. She assured me she would be here all night and would take good care of my daughter. I almost burst into tears. (I did that in the car). I can't thank her enough for helping me and my daughter through such a terrible time. These are the kind of doctors and nurses we need. Not just to be medically excellent, but to remember and treat us as the fragile humans we are makes all the difference. Thank you, Meghan. You are not only a wonderful nurse but an exceptionally loving human being. You are my “giving thanks” prayers always.